tatter
1[ tat-er ]
/ ˈtæt ər /
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noun
a torn piece hanging loose from the main part, as of a garment or flag.
a separate torn piece; shred.
tatters, torn or ragged clothing: dressed in rags and tatters.
verb (used with object)
to tear or wear to tatters.
verb (used without object)
to become ragged.
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Origin of tatter
11375–1425; (noun) late Middle English <Old Norse tǫturr rag, tatter; akin to Old English tætteca rag, shred; (v.) back formation from tattered
Other definitions for tatter (2 of 2)
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use tatter in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for tatter
tatter
/ (ˈtætə) /
verb
to make or become ragged or worn to shreds
noun
(plural) torn or ragged pieces, esp of material
in tatters
- torn to pieces; in shreds
- destroyed or ruined
Word Origin for tatter
C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic töturr rag, Old English tættec, Old High German zæter rag
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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