black-and-tan

Black′ and Tan′

n., pl. Black and Tans.

a member of an armed force sent by the British government to Ireland in 1920 to suppress revolutionary activity: so called from the color of their uniforms.

black′-and-tan′

adj.

(of a dog) being of a black color with tan markings above the eyes and on the muzzle, chest, legs, feet, and breech.

[1855–60]

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Adj.

black-and-tan - having a pattern of black and tan

patterned - having patterns (especially colorful patterns)

References in classic literature ?

Their eyes were just of the same colour, but a striking test of the difference in their operation was seen in the demeanour of Trip, the black-and-tan terrier, whenever that much- suspected dog unwarily exposed himself to the freezing arctic ray of Mrs.

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In the flat across the hall from us lived a lady with a black-and-tan terrier.

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In a nutshell: Story of poor Irish father suing for custody goes down like a watery black-and-tan.