Cotter

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -É’tÉ™(r)

Full definition of cotter

Noun

1. (mechanical engineering) A pin or wedge inserted through a slot to hold machine parts together.
2. (informal) a cotter pin.

Usage notes

The terms cotter and "cotter pin" are sometimes used interchangeably, although they have different functions. Basically a cotter holds parts together and a "cotter pin" holds the cotter in its place. For a more detailed explanation see Wikipedia articles on cotter and cotter pin.

Related terms

• cotter pin

Verb

1. (transitive) To fasten with a cotter.

Alternative forms

• cottar

Noun

1. A peasant who performed labour in exchange for the right to live in a cottage.