cotter Hear it!

cotter¹ Definition

cot·ter (kät′ər)

noun

a cottager; specif.,

  1. Scot. a tenant farmer
  2. Irish a cottier

Etymology: ME < OFr cotier < cote, cottage < OE cot (or MDu kote), cot

cotter² Definition

cot·ter (kät′ər)

noun

  1. a bolt or wedge put through a slot to hold together parts of machinery
  2. cotter pin

Etymology: ME coter < ?

cotter Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • pin: In the first incident, a worker was trying to replace a cotter pin on a forklift mast.
  • bolt: However, was also recommended for use with high compression and any other standard camshaft in a cotter bolt block.