cotter

¹

[ kot-er ]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to secure with a cotter.

cotter

²

[ kot-er ]

noun

1. Scot. a person occupying a plot of land and cottage, paid for in services.
2. cottager ( def 2 ).

cotter

¹

/ 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

verb

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

cotter

²

/ ˈkɒtə /

noun

1. Also calledcottier English history a villein in late Anglo-Saxon and early Norman times occupying a cottage and land in return for labour
2. Also calledcottar a peasant occupying a cottage and land in the Scottish Highlands under the same tenure as an Irish cottier

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cotter¹

C14: shortened from cotterel, of unknown origin

Origin of cotter²

C14: from Medieval Latin cotārius, from Middle English cote cot ²

Example Sentences

In the Second, Democrat Missy Cotter Smasal is pushing to unseat Republican Rep. Jennifer Kiggans, who won narrowly in the urban coastal Virginia district in 2022.

From Salon

Mark Cotter KC, prosecuting, told the trial Mr Crewe was "an unarmed and intoxicated man who was retreating" when the attack happened.

From BBC

While Mr Crewe was dying, Sisman ran away, "heading to the hills" and dumping the knife in the River Usk, said Mr Cotter.

From BBC

In his review in The New York Times, Holland Cotter called the film “beautiful.”

From New York Times

Judge Mr Justice Cotter told Foster, who appeared in the dock leaning on crutches: "I am sure you have been advised that the likely sentence is one of a substantial period in custody and you should be well aware of that."

From BBC

Related Words

• chunk