moth-eaten

[ mawth-eet-n, moth- ]

/ ˈmɔθˌit n, ˈmɒθ- /

eaten or damaged by or as if by the larvae of moths.

decayed or worn out.

out of fashion; antiquated.

Origin of moth-eaten

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

un·moth-eat·en, adjective

For a contemporary manifestation of this moth-eaten brand of tyranny, look no further than Hamas-ruled Gaza.

Hamas: The Palestinian Fashion Police |Hussein Ibish |April 9, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
Come one, come all—all you moth-eaten, lousy stiffs from Stiffville.

American Sketches |Charles Whibley
It was moth-eaten in one or two places, and I made them let me have it at half-price;—made exactly as good a dress.

The Pearl of Orr's Island |Harriet Beecher Stowe
The cap, said to be moth-eaten, and the other articles had been cast into the fire at Mrs. Ellis's orders.

The Lamplighter |Maria S. Cummins

He walked across the room and gave the moth-eaten skin another kick.

Travelers Five Along Life's Highway |Annie Fellows Johnston
Some broken chairs with moth-eaten seats were piled together, and some ancient boxes lay full of rubbish.

The Madcap of the School |Angela Brazil

moth-eaten

decayed, decrepit, or outdated

eaten away by or as if by moths