cotter
1[ kot-er ]
/ ˈkɒt ər /
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noun
a pin, wedge, key, or the like, fitted or driven into an opening to secure something or hold parts together.
verb (used with object)
to secure with a cotter.
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Origin of cotter
11300–50; Middle English coter; akin to late Middle English coterell iron bracket; of uncertain origin
Words nearby cotter
Other definitions for cotter (2 of 2)
cotter2
[ kot-er ]
/ ˈkɒt ər /
noun
Scot. a person occupying a plot of land and cottage, paid for in services.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use cotter in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for cotter (1 of 2)
cotter1
/ (ˈkɒtə) machinery /
noun
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
(tr) to secure (two parts) with a cotter
Word Origin for cotter
C14: shortened from cotterel, of unknown origin
British Dictionary definitions for cotter (2 of 2)
cotter2
/ (ˈkɒtə) /
noun
Also called: cottier English history a villein in late Anglo-Saxon and early Norman times occupying a cottage and land in return for labour
Also called: cottar a peasant occupying a cottage and land in the Scottish Highlands under the same tenure as an Irish cottier
See also cottier (def. 2), cottager (def. 1)
Word Origin for cotter
C14: from Medieval Latin cotārius, from Middle English cote cot ²
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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