cottier

/ ˈkɒtɪə /

noun

1. another name for cotter 2
2. (in Ireland) a peasant farming a smallholding under cottier tenure (the holding of not more than half an acre at a rent of not more than five pounds a year)
3. another name for cottager

Word History and Origins

Origin of cottier¹

C14: from Old French cotier; see cote ¹, coterie

Example Sentences

Great Britain operated Ireland under a “cottage” or “cottier” system.

From Scientific American

A villein who rendered menial service for his cottage; a cottier.

From Project Gutenberg

Only some of the cottiers are said to hold in villainage.

From Project Gutenberg

The competition in Ireland was for the possession of land, at an extravagant rent, out of the labour upon which the cottier could only obtain the very lowest amount of necessaries for his subsistence.

From Project Gutenberg

Poor Maurice, whose heart could never stand the slightest wrong done the humblest cottier on his land, how will he bear up now?

From Project Gutenberg