from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Tannic \Tan"nic\, a.
Of or pertaining to tan; derived from, or resembling, tan;
as, tannic acid.
[1913 Webster]
{Tannic acid}. (Chem.)
(a) An acid obtained from nutgalls as a yellow amorphous
substance, {C14H10O9}, having an astringent taste, and
forming with ferric salts a bluish-black compound, which
is the basis of common ink. Called also {tannin}, and
{gallotannic acid}.
(b) By extension, any one of a series of astringent
substances resembling tannin proper, widely diffused
through the vegetable kingdom, as in oak bark, willow,
catechu, tea, coffee, etc.
[1913 Webster]