I. ˈta-tər
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
: to make ragged
intransitive verb
: to become ragged
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse tǫturr tatter; akin to Old English tætteca rag, Old High German zotta matted hair, tuft
Date: 15th century
1. : a part torn and left hanging : shred
2. plural : tattered clothing : rags