1
of a dog's coat
: 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
or Black-and-Tan dated, US politics
: favoring or practicing proportional representation of Black and white people in politics compare lily-white sense 3
3
US, dated
: frequented by both Black and white people
a black-and-tan bar
1
: a black-and-tan dog
2
: a drink consisting of a dark beer (such as stout or porter) and ale or beer of a paler color
3
Black and Tan
[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
Cite this Entry
“Black-and-tan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black-and-tan. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.
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