tatter 1
/tat"euhr/ , n.
1. a torn piece hanging loose from the main part, as of a garment or flag.
2. a separate torn piece; shred.
3. tatters , torn or ragged clothing: dressed in rags and tatters.
v.t.
4. to tear or wear to tatters.
v.i.
5. to become ragged.
[ 1375-1425; (n.) late ME toturr rag, tatter; akin to OE taetteca rag, shred; (v.) back formation from TATTERED ]
tatter 2
/tat"euhr/ , n.
a person who does tatting, esp. as an occupation.
[ 1880-85; TAT + -ER 1 ]