n. & v.
--n.
1. a scrap, fragment, or strip of esp. cloth, paper, etc.
2 the least amount, remnant (not a shred of evidence).
--v.tr. (shredded, shredding) tear or cut into shreds.
Phrases and idioms:
tear to shreds completely refute (an argument etc.).
Etymology: OE scread (unrecorded) piece cut off, screadian f. WG: see SHROUD