Visibly in tears (8)

I believe the answer is:

tattered

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'visibly in' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tattered that I've seen before include "Torn irregularly like scarecrow's clothes" , "Old and torn" , "Frayed" , "Shabby" , "In poor condition" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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