tatter

¹

[tat-er]

noun

1. a torn piece hanging loose from the main part, as of a garment or flag.

2. a separate torn piece; shred.

3. tatters, torn or ragged clothing.

   dressed in rags and tatters.

verb (used with object)

1. to tear or wear to tatters.

verb (used without object)

1. to become ragged.

tatter

²

[tat-er]

noun

1. a person who does tatting, tatting, especially as an occupation.

tatter

/ ˈtætə /

verb

1. to make or become ragged or worn to shreds

noun

1. (plural) torn or ragged pieces, esp of material

2. 1. torn to pieces; in shreds

   2. destroyed or ruined

Word History and Origins

Origin of tatter¹

1375–1425; (noun) late Middle English < Old Norse tǫturr rag, tatter; akin to Old English tætteca rag, shred; (v.) back formation from tattered

Origin of tatter²

First recorded in 1880–85; tat + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of tatter¹

C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic töturr rag, Old English tættec, Old High German zæter rag

Example Sentences

But, after his British transfer record move to Liverpool, his reputation in the North East is now in tatters.

From BBC

Conventionally, a conviction like this would leave careers in tatters and have other life-changing effects.

From BBC

Spike Lee’s “When the Levees Broke” debuted in 2006, when the city was still in tatters.

From Salon

Nonetheless, such plans could be left in tatters were more explosive revelations to emerge, as many in the Socialist party fear.

From BBC

The result of Yoon's abortive martial law attempt was a political maelstrom from which South Korea is still reeling: a constitutional crisis that ended the former president's career and left his PPP in tatters.

From BBC

Related Words

• fragment 
• iota 
• modicum 
• ounce 
• sliver 
• smidgen 
• snippet 
• speck 
• whit