tatterdemalion \tat-er-dih-MAIL-yun\ (adjective) - Ragged or disreputable in appearance; being in a decayed state or condition; dilapidated; beggarly or disreputable.

"While Timothy felt that his wearing of clothes which were more than a bit worn gave him an air of character, to everyone else in the office he simply looked like a tatterdemalion."

Although its origins are uncertain, "tatterdemalion" is likely connected to either the noun "tatter" ("a torn scrap or shred") or the adjective "tattered" ("ragged" or "wearing ragged clothes"). The term has been used in print since the 1600s. While in its first documented use in 1611 it was used as a noun,within three years it came to be used as an adjective for anything or anyone ragged or disreputable.

 
 
Charles Mims
http://www.the-sandbox.org
 
 
_______________________________________________
Sndbox mailing list
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://a8.mewebdns-a8.com/mailman/listinfo/sndbox_sandboxmail.net

Reply via email to