1. Usually, Black and Tans . an armed force of about 6000 soldiers sent by the British government to Ireland in June, 1920, to suppress revolutionary activity: so called from the colors of their uniform.
2. a member of this force.
3. ( l.c. ) a drink made of equal parts of ale and stout or porter.
4. ( l.c. ) a black-and-tan dog.
[ 1880-85 for def. 4 ]