a. and sb. Her. Also 7 tenney, 9 teany. [a. obs. F. tenné (16th c.), var. of tanné, TAWNY; cf. tennet, var. of tannet tawny cloth (14th c. in Godef.).] ‘Tawny’ as a heraldic color: variously described as ‘orange-brown’ or ‘bright chestnut’; in engraving represented by diagonal lines from sinister to dexter, crossed by others, according to some authors, vertically, according to others, horizontally.
1562. Leigh, Armorie, 19. Now to the sixth coloure, whiche we calle Tawney, and is blazed by thys woorde, Tenne. It is a worshipfull colour, and is of some Herhaughtes called Bruske,… it is made of two bright colours which is Redde and Yellowe.
1575. Laneham, Lett. (1871), 39. The Fess Tenny, which iz a cooler betokening dout & suspition.
1704. J. Harris, Lex. Techn., I. Tenny, or Tawney,… is expressed in Engraving by thwart Strokes or Hatches.
1882. Cussans, Heraldry, 51. Tenné (bright chestnut).
