To make lace by tatting, or as slang, cheap or tasteless objects.
As a lace-making term, possibly from French 'tatez', an imperative meaning 'feel' or 'touch'. As slang for cheap goods, origin uncertain, possibly from 'tattered' or related to worthless items.
Tatting lace was a crucial skill for Victorian women that created intricate patterns using only a shuttle and thread - entire wedding dresses were made this way, taking months of painstaking work to complete.
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