tatter

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)

4. to tear or wear to tatters.

verb (used without object)

5. to become ragged.

noun

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

verb

1. to make or become ragged or worn to shreds

noun

2. (plural) torn or ragged pieces, esp of material
3. in tatters
   1. torn to pieces; in shreds
   2. destroyed or ruined

v.mid-14c., “clad in slashed garments,” from Old Norse toturr “rag,” cognate with Old English tættec, tætteca “rag, tatter,” Low German tater “tatter.” The noun is attested from c.1400.