tanbark

[ tan-bahrk ]

1. the bark of the oak, hemlock, etc., bruised and broken by a mill and used especially in tanning hides.
2. a surface covered with pieces of tanbark, especially a circus ring.

tanbark

/ ˈtænˌbɑːk /

noun

1. the bark of certain trees, esp the oak and hemlock, used as a source of tannin Often shortened totan

Word History and Origins

Origin of tanbark¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; tan ¹ + bark ²

Example Sentences

He said he was a good horseback rider, and there was pieces of tanbark hanging on his clothes yet from his riding school.

From Project Gutenberg

The dismantled church was transformed into a riding-ring, with tanbark on the floor, and a leaping-bar.

From Project Gutenberg

Tanbark and sawdust are the agents used to build a special walking track, and the latter is far the most common.

From Project Gutenberg

Before them a wide sweep of lawn led up to a formal dark faade; a tanbark path was washed, the grass ragged and uncut.

From Project Gutenberg

But they must have smelt fodder over there somewhere, and they broke for it like the devil beatin' tanbark.

From Project Gutenberg