Plaid. A pattern in textile fabrics consisting of bars or stripes of color crossing each other at right angles. The term plaid is also applied to a loose garment, often having a tartan pattern. It is a large rectangular piece of woolen stuff, and is worn in Scotland by both sexes for warmth and for protection against the weather. It is a special dress of the Highlanders, and forms part of the uniform of certain infantry regiments of the British army. [See Tartan, Kilt]