a. [f. TART a. + -ISH1.] Somewhat tart, slightly pungent or acid; also fig.
1684. Bucaniers Amer., I. iv. 30–1. The multitude of Orenges, and Lemons: Here growing both sweet and sower, and those that participate of both tastes, and are only pleasantly tartish.
1712. E. Cooke, Voy. S. Sea, 338. Another Sort like a Curan … eats tartish.
1747. Gentl. Mag., Oct., 488/2. Let spirit of vitriol be mixed therewith … in such quantity as to give the tartish taste.
178[?]. Elizabeth Price, Compl. Confectioner, 165. After this is drawn off, a tartish, limpid, inodorous liquor will come over.
1828. J. Wilson, in Blackw. Mag., XXIV. 511. The Monthly [Magazine] so smartish—the Westminster, so tartish.
1860. W. Texas, 90. Its slightly tartish taste is undoubtedly the reason why animals are so fond of it [the grass].
1890. Stanley, Darkest Afr., I. ix. 212. The tartish, crimson, and oblong fruit of the amoma.
Hence Tartishly adv., somewhat tartly.
1823. J. Wilson, Trials Marg. Lyndsay, xxxii. Snuffy-nosed maiden aunts … sourishly and tartishly disposed.
