tatter

Definition

A shred of torn cloth; an individual item of torn and ragged clothing.

Etymology

From Middle English tater, from Old Norse tǫturr, from Proto-Germanic *tat(t)uraz (“tuft, patch”). Cognate with Icelandic tötur (“rag, tatter”).

Example Sentences

• "You can’t – you shan’t – you don’t – you won’t – you thing of rag and tatter, O!"