Tatary
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A historical region: A vast geographical area of Europe and Asia that was controlled by the Mongol Empire, particularly during the 13th and 14th centuries. 2. An archaic or historical name: An older name used in European historical and geographical texts to refer to the territories inhabited by Turkic and Mongol peoples, roughly corresponding to parts of modern-day Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, and Siberia.
Usage Examples
- In historical texts, Tatary often described lands unknown to medieval Europeans.
- The traveler wrote about his journey across the steppes of Tatary.
- Maps from the 16th century frequently labeled northern Asia as Tatary.
Advanced Usage
- "Tartary" as a variant spelling: The word is very commonly found spelled as "Tartary." Both "Tatary" and "Tartary" are used interchangeably in historical contexts to refer to the same region.
- In historical context: The term is now largely archaic and is used primarily when discussing historical geography, exploration, or the Mongol Empire. Modern equivalents would specify the exact country or region (e.g., Siberia, the Pontic-Caspian steppe).
Variants and Related Words
- Tartary (n): The most common alternate spelling of "Tatary."
- Tatar (n): 1. A member of a Turkic people living in parts of Russia and Central Asia. 2. The Turkic language spoken by the Tatars. (Note: This is a related ethnic and linguistic term, not a direct synonym for the geographical region).
- Tartar (n): 1. An archaic term for a member of the Mongol or Tatar armies of the Middle Ages. 2. A hard deposit on teeth. 3. A fierce or irritable person. (Note: This spelling often carries the historical or metaphorical meanings).
Synonyms
- The Mongol Empire (specifically for its western domains)
- The Steppe (in a broad, geographical sense)
- Central Eurasia (modern, broader geographical term)
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "To catch a Tartar": An old idiom meaning to encounter an opponent or problem that is much more formidable than expected. This idiom derives from the historical fear of Tatar (Tartar) warriors.
- Example: He thought the debate would be easy, but he caught a Tartar in his well-prepared opponent.
Noun
- the vast geographical region of Europe and Asia that was controlled by the Mongols in the 13th and 14th centuries
- under Genghis Khan Tartary extended as far east as the Pacific Ocean