tatter

¹ American  

[tat-er] / ˈtæt ər /

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.

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verb (used with object)

1. to tear or wear to tatters.

verb (used without object)

1. to become ragged.

tatter ² American  

[tat-er] / ˈtæt ər /

noun

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

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tatter British  

/ ˈtætə /

verb

1. to make or become ragged or worn to shreds

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noun

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

2. 1. torn to pieces; in shreds

   2. destroyed or ruined

Etymology

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 tatter¹

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

Example Sentences

England's Bazball project is in tatters as yet another Ashes in Australia was lost in three Tests.

From BBC

With the pitch deteriorating, Lyon unleashed another trademark delivery to bowl Stokes, then tempted Crawley down the wicket to be stumped by Carey, leaving England's Ashes campaign in tatters.

From Barron's

England's hopes in the second Test and the Ashes are in tatters after a dismal and depressing third day in Brisbane.

From BBC

England's hopes in the second Test - and the Ashes - are in tatters after a dismal and depressing third day in Brisbane.

From BBC

With their title hopes in tatters, Liverpool can't be certain of reaching the Champions League last 16 either after a second defeat in five games in the tournament.

From Barron's

Related Words

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