Torn or ragged pieces of cloth or clothing hanging loosely.
Middle English 'tatere' from Old Norse 'tötturr' meaning 'rag.' The word likely came from Scandinavian languages and entered English through Viking trade and settlement; the 's' ending makes it plural, suggesting multiple rags or a shredded state.
The phrase 'in tatters' became so popular in English that we now use it metaphorically for anything ruined—relationships, plans, economies—all because cloth was expensive in medieval times and seeing garments in tatters meant visible poverty or disaster.
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