- tartar
To catch a Tartar ; to attack one of superior strength or abilities. This saying originated from a story of an Irish-soldier in the Imperial service, who, in a battle against the Turks, called out to his comrade that he had caught a Tartar. 'Bring him along then,' said he. 'He won't come,' answered Paddy. 'Then come along yourself,' replied his comrade. 'Arrah,' cried he, 'but he won't let me.'
A Tartar is also an adept at any feat, or game : he is quite a Tartar at cricket, or billiards.
The 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.