black-and-tan

adjective \ -kən-ˈtan \

|Updated on: 1 Jul 2018

Definition of black-and-tan

1 : having a predominantly black color pattern with deep red or rusty tan usually on the feet, breeching, and cheek patches, above the eyes, and inside the ears

2 : favoring or practicing proportional representation of whites and blacks in politics

3 : frequented by both blacks and whites

a black-and-tan bar

First Known Use of black-and-tan

1786

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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black and tan

noun

Definition of black and tan

1 : a black-and-tan animal (such as a dog)

2 : a drink consisting of a dark beer (such as stout or porter) and ale or beer of a paler color

3 capitalized B&T

[from the color of his uniform]

: a recruit enlisted in England in 1920–21 for service in the Royal Irish Constabulary against the armed movement for Irish independence

4 : a member of a black-and-tan political organization (as in the southern U.S.) — compare lily-white

Recent Examples of black and tan from the Web

Noah, a black and tan puppy about 6 months old, had suffered numerous fractures and injuries before he was found dead in a suitcase that was abandoned outside a Willowbrook townhouse in 2015.

— kimberly fornek, chicagotribune.com, "Willow Pond Park dedication features family fun, dedication of abused animal memorial," 10 June 2018
Wall was still dressed in his black and tan tuxedo vest when the incident occurred at a Waffle House in Warsaw, N.C.

— NBC News, "Outrage as video shows police officer choking black man in tuxedo at Waffle House," 11 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'black and tan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.