/ ˈtɑːtn; NAmE ˈtɑːrtn/ noun
1.
[ U , C ] a pattern of squares and lines of different colours and widths that cross each other at an angle of 90°, used especially on cloth, and originally from Scotland :
a tartan rug
2.
[ C ] a tartan pattern connected with a particular group of families (= a clan ) in Scotland :
the MacLeod tartan
3.
[ U ] cloth, especially made of wool, that has a tartan pattern
—compare plaid
For more information see the Cultural Guide
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WORD ORIGIN
late 15th cent. (originally Scots ): perhaps from Old French tertaine , denoting a kind of cloth; compare with tartarin , a rich fabric formerly imported from the east through Tartary, a historical region of Asia and eastern Europe.