cotter

1 of 2

noun (1)

cot·​ter ˈkä-tər 

1

: a wedge-shaped or tapered piece used to fasten together parts of a structure

2

: cotter pin

cottered

ˈkä-tərd 

adjective

cotterless

ˈkä-tər-ləs 

adjective

cotter

2 of 2

noun (2)

cot·​ter

variant spelling of cottar

: a peasant or farm laborer who occupies a cottage and sometimes a small holding of land usually in return for services

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cotter

• cotter pin

• cotter pin

Kids Definition

cotter

noun

cot·​ter ˈkät-ər 

: a wedge-shaped piece used to fasten parts together