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

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.

Read more on Barron's

His plans were in tatters, fielders scattered to all corners of Nottingham.

Read more on BBC

The town square is in tatters: the store awnings are torn, the windows boarded up and the park paved over into a parking lot.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But the original whistleblowers, who still remain working at the organisation, believe the reputation of the Institute is "in tatters" following recent events.

Read more on BBC

After the events of the past two years, Hamas' leadership is in tatters.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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