tartan āļāļ·āļāļāļ°āđāļĢ tartan āļāļ·āļāļāļ°āđāļĢ Any of numerous textile patterns consisting of stripes of varying widths and colors crossed at right angles against a solid background, each forming a distinctive design worn by the members of a Scottish clan.A twilled wool fabric or garment having such a pattern.A plaid fabric.A small, single-masted Mediterranean ship with a large lateen sail.