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. in tatters
   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

This was traditional Dodgers talent mixed with newfound Dodgers tough, the combustible combination exploding across the baseball world, leaving teams in tatters from the Pacific Ocean to the Hudson River.

From Los Angeles Times

Current national plans to limit carbon emissions would barely cut pollution by 2030, the UN analysis shows, leaving efforts to keep warming under 1.5C this century in tatters.

From BBC

It landed a series of powerful blows that threw the Islamic regime in Tehran off balance and left its strategy in tatters.

From BBC

Now, with their season in tatters, the Trojans and their coach faced a long flight back to pick up the pieces.

From Los Angeles Times

The model reveals how the ship was crushed by the ice - the masts toppled and parts of the deck in tatters - but the structure itself is largely intact.

From BBC

Related Words

• erode
• frazzle
• unravel
• wear away