1. n.1 a pattern of coloured stripes crossing at right angles, esp. the distinctive plaid worn by the Scottish Highlanders to denote their clan.
2 woollen cloth woven in this pattern (often attrib.: a tartan scarf).
Etymology: perh. f. OF tertaine, tiretaine 2. n. a lateen-sailed single-masted ship used in the Mediterranean.
Etymology: F tartane f. It. tartana, perh. f. Arab. tarida