tatter
tatter · tatters · tattered · tattering
To destroy an article of clothing etcTo destroy an article of clothing etc. by shredding.
/ˈtætə(ɹ)/
» The child's clothes were in tatters.
Meaning
3 senses(transitive)To destroy an article of clothing etc. by shredding.
(intransitive)To fall into tatters.
(Ireland, dialectal)To go at great speed.
Examples
9 sentencesThe child's clothes were in tatters.
Felix was dressed in tattered clothing.
I see a tattered flag which continues to flutter in the wind.
Layla's reputation was in tatters.
Mennad's image was in tatters.
Origin
From Middle English tater, from Old Norse tǫturr, from Proto-Germanic *tat(t)uraz (“tuft,From Middle English tater, from Old Norse tǫturr, from Proto-Germanic *tat(t)uraz (“tuft, patch”). Cognate with Icelandic tötur (“rag, tatter”).
From tat (“origin unknown”) + -er (“frequentative suffix”). Compare tattle.
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Forms
tatters, tattering, tattered, tatteredWord family
4 related wordsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, regular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle