a. rare. [f. TAR sb. + -ISH1.] Resembling tar; having a taste or consistency like that of tar. b. [f. TAR sb. 3.] Of or belonging to sailors; nautical.
1681. R. Knox, Hist. Ceylon, I. vi. 25. They are small like Fly, and black,… their honey somewhat tarrish.
1747. S. Hales, Tar-water, 9. I dropped the same half Pint of Tar, into twelve different Quarts of Water, till it became pretty insipid as to the saline, acid Taste, tho’ it had still a tarrish Taste.
1841. Fraser’s Mag., XXIV. 307. I saw there were swabs opposite me. (This is the tarrish tongue for officer or epaulette.)
