tatter
UK: ˈtætə | US: ˈtætər
n. a torn piece of cloth, paper, or other material
vt. to make or become ragged or torn
The word "tatter" originates from Middle English tateren, likely of Scandinavian influence (compare Old Norse tǫturr, meaning "rag"). The root tatt- implies tearing or fragmentation, while -er denotes the result or state of being torn. Over time, it evolved to describe both the action of tearing and the resulting ragged fragments, reflecting its vivid connection to physical deterioration.
The flag hung in tatters after the storm.
She carefully stitched the tatter back into the quilt.
His clothes were reduced to tatters by years of hard labor.
The old book’s pages were brittle and prone to tattering.
Wind tattered the posters on the bulletin board.