cotter
1 Americannoun
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a pin, wedge, key, or the like, fitted or driven into an opening to secure something or hold parts together.
verb (used with object)
noun
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any part, such as a pin, wedge, key, etc, that is used to secure two other parts so that relative motion between them is prevented
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short for cotter pin
verb
noun
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Also called: cottier. English history a villein in late Anglo-Saxon and early Norman times occupying a cottage and land in return for labour
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Also called: cottar. a peasant occupying a cottage and land in the Scottish Highlands under the same tenure as an Irish cottier
Etymology
Origin of cotter1
1300–50; Middle English coter; akin to late Middle English coterell iron bracket; of uncertain origin
Origin of cotter2
1175–1225; Middle English cotere < Anglo-French cot ( i ) er; see cot 2, -er 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"The Brumbies are well-organised and have started their season well. They will be tough competitors, particularly at home, but we are up for the challenge," said coach Vern Cotter.
From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026
Junior opposite hitter Sophia Cotter is committed to Princeton.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2025
Cotter, 26, took up the sport while studying at the University of East Anglia, before spending a year playing in Lisbon.
From BBC • Dec. 28, 2024
Hamelberg now coaches the Stallions' under-19s team and the Burners at Brunel University, alongside Stallions defensive lineman Lachlan Cotter.
From BBC • Dec. 28, 2024
Cotter Pyke had sent word from Eastwatch that the Onion Lord and Salladhor Saan had set sail for White Harbor to treat with Lord Manderly.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
