cotter

¹ American  

[kot-er] / ˈkɒt ər /

noun

1. a pin, wedge, key, or the like, fitted or driven into an opening to secure something or hold parts together.

2. cotter pin.

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verb (used with object)

1. to secure with a cotter.

cotter ² American  

[kot-er] / ˈkɒt ər /

noun

1. Scot. a person occupying a plot of land and cottage, paid for in services.

2. cottager.

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cotter ¹ British  

/ ˈkɒtə /

noun

1. 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

2. short for cotter pin

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verb

1. (tr) to secure (two parts) with a cotter

cotter ² British  

/ ˈkɒtə /

noun

1. Also called: cottier.  English history a villein in late Anglo-Saxon and early Norman times occupying a cottage and land in return for labour

2. Also called: cottar.  a peasant occupying a cottage and land in the Scottish Highlands under the same tenure as an Irish cottier

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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; cot ², -er ²

Example Sentences

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 ring is attached to a light cable which jerks out two cotter pins freeing the flaps of the canvas 'chute-pack.

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

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

The cotter was ejected and driven to the bogs and mountains.

From Irish History and the Irish Question by Smith, Goldwin

Related Words

• chunk