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. See cotter pin
   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

Criticism The New York Times Awarded to Holland Cotter for his series of luminous and diverse art critiques for The Times.

From The Daily Beast

By using the proper-sized cotter, a substantial and quickly made repair will be the result.

From Project Gutenberg

A continuous wire passing through all of the bolts and nuts is sometimes used instead of the individual cotter pins.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, putting on waterproof coats, we rode over to the place which had excited my wife's desire to become a cotter.

From Project Gutenberg

When they first heard of the proposed journey, Paul Cotter pulled Henry to one side.

From Project Gutenberg

It came to the ears of Paul Cotter, and the heart of the loyal youth grew hot within him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• chunk