I. ˈrōn sometimes -ōən adjective
Etymology: Middle French, from Old Spanish roano, probably irregular from Gothic rauths red — more at red
1. of an animal's coat : having the base color (as black, red, gray, or brown) muted and lightened by a liberal admixture of white hairs — compare blue-roan , red-roan , strawberry roan
2. : of the color roan
3.
[ roan (II) ]
: made of roan
roan binding
II. noun
( -s )
1.
a. : an animal (as a horse) with a roan coat — usually used of a red roan when unqualified; see blue-roan
b. : roan antelope
2.
a. : the color of a roan horse — used especially when the base color is red
b. : a moderate reddish brown that is redder and slightly lighter and stronger than mahogany, redder, less strong, and slightly lighter than oxblood, and redder and paler than Tuscan red
3. : a sheepskin used especially for bookbinding generally made from skins that are tanned with sumac and colored and finished to imitate morocco — distinguished from basil