Tartaned

Part of speech: adjective, verb

Definitions

1. Characterized by a pattern of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors, often used for clothing or decor
2. Describing the appearance of fabric displaying a checked design commonly associated with Scottish heritage
3. Marked by the distinctive interlacing colors that create a lively visual effect, often embodying cultural significance

Etymology: The verb "tartaned" is simply the past tense and participle of "tartan," so its history is the history of that cloth name. The most surprising part is how many competing origins the noun has. One line runs through Old French "tiretaine," a wool-and-cotton or linen cloth, whose base "tiret" was a precious fabric named after Tyre, the Phoenician city famous for purple dye. Another line points to "tartaryn," a costly silk imported from the East, its name linked to Tartary and the Tatars. Scholars disagree, and the Oxford English Dictionary notes that the Tartary idea fits a pricier fabric than tartan ever was. The Scots word "tartan" came into use in Scotland, where the checked woollen cloth became closely associated with Highland dress. The adjective "tartaned" comes from using the noun attributively, placing it before another noun, and the verb form grew from the noun in the same way.

Synonyms: plaid, checked, patterned, striped, woven

Antonyms: plain, solid, unpatterned, monochrome, simple