Obs. Also 6 tannikin, 7 tanakin. A diminutive pet-form of the name Ann or Anna (cf. Tann = St. Ann. Ted = Edward); spec. used for a German or Dutch girl.
1557. P. Hoby, Lett. to Cecil, in Burgon, Gresham (1839), I. 227. I praie ye, desire my Lady to come, and to bringe Tannikin [Cecil’s daughter Anne] with her.
1596. Nashe, Saffron Walden, 130. Like a Germane, that neuer goes to the warres without his Tannakin.
1605. Marston, Dutch Courtezan, I. i. A pretty nimble eyd Dutch Tanakin.
1608. Armin, Nest Ninn. (1880), 47. Like a Dutch Tannakin, sliding to market on the ise.
