tatting

What it means

1. countableuncountableA form of looped and knotted lace needlework made from a single thread.

   Best and largest collection of tatting work, not less than seven different articles, five dollars; best tatting collar, two dollars; […] best three tatting doylies, two dollars, Mrs. J. M. Junkin, Fairfield.

   1888, Mrs. C. E. Barron, “Report of Committees. Class No. 196—Tatting Work”, in Annual Report of the Board of Directors of the Iowa State Agricultural Society, page 234

   Synonyms: tat

2. countableuncountableThe art of making such lace.

   While crocheting is the most popular feature in art needle work, tatting has now entered the field with such vigor that crocheting does not monopolize the situation.

   1915, “Tatting and crocheting”, in Dry Goods Reporter, page 49

In a sentence

Best and largest collection of tatting work, not less than seven different articles, five dollars; best tatting collar, two dollars; […] best three tatting doylies, two dollars, Mrs. J. M. Junkin, Fairfield.

1888, Mrs. C. E. Barron, “Report of Committees. Class No. 196—Tatting Work”, in Annual Report of the Board of Directors of the Iowa State Agricultural Society, page 234

Where it comes from

Unknown. The noun appears earlier than the verb. Attested since the mid-19th century.