tartan

Everyday

1. Tartan is a pattern of coloured stripes crossing each other at right angles, making squares; it is woven into woollen cloth, especially in Scotland. tree →
2. A tartan is one particular pattern belonging to a Scottish clan (family group), region or organisation. tree →
3. Tartan describes things made of this cloth: a tartan kilt, a tartan scarf. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and history lessons about Scotland, tartan is part of Highland culture: kilts, clans and bagpipes. Each clan, like MacDonald or Campbell, has its own tartan, and some countries and towns have one too. In maths and art, tartan is a fun way to study patterns, symmetry and right angles. Phrases: tartan kilt, clan tartan, the Tartan Army (Scotland's football fans), tartan rug.

Examples

• He wore a tartan kilt at the wedding. tree →
• Every Scottish clan has its own tartan. tree →
• Grandma wrapped a tartan rug around her knees. tree →
• The tartan pattern has lines that cross at right angles. tree →
• Our class designed a new tartan for our school. tree →
• The Tartan Army sang loudly at the football match. tree →
• The shortbread tin was covered in red tartan. tree →
• Tartan was once banned in the Scottish Highlands for a time. tree →

Note

Countable (many tartans, different patterns) or uncountable (a scarf made of tartan). Pronounced «TAR-tun». Americans often call the pattern «plaid»; in Scotland a «plaid» is actually a large piece of tartan cloth worn over the shoulder. Do not confuse with «tartar» (a crust on teeth, or tartare sauce).

In Jewish tradition

The Assyrian commander took Ashdod and was sent to attack Jerusalem.

Interpretation. Tradition remembers Assyria as a mighty empire that God used to punish Israel but stopped at Jerusalem.

Examples

• And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rab-saris and Rab-shakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great army unto Jerusalem. (Prophets 2KI.18.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• In the year that Tartan came into Ashdod, when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and took it; (Prophets ISA.20.1, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable (many tartans, different patterns) or uncountable (a scarf made of tartan). Pronounced «TAR-tun». Americans often call the pattern «plaid»; in Scotland a «plaid» is actually a large piece of tartan cloth worn over the shoulder. Do not confuse with «tartar» (a crust on teeth, or tartare sauce).