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
-
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.
Theirs is a world in which every boy matures to master small motors, to understand the importance of the cotter pin.
From Time Magazine Archive
At Tsurumi, outside Yokohama, another cotter pin evidently sheared off the wheel housing of a southbound freight car.
From Time Magazine Archive
But before you break out the wrench and cotter pins, it helps to go over some propeller basics to find a good starting point.
From Time Magazine Archive
Release the cotter pin from the spindle nut, then remove the nut and washer, and the entire hub should slip off the axle.
From Time Magazine Archive
The small end of the cotter projects through the crank, and is screwed and held in place by a nut.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Slice 7 "Bible" to "Bisectrix" by Various
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