cotter

• Substantiv mit mehreren Bedeutungen: ein Pächter oder Kleinbauer im schottischen Hochland, ein mittelalterlicher englischer Leibeigener (Villein), oder ein Verbindungselement aus einem Keil oder Stift, das in einen Schlitz gesteckt wird, um zwei andere Teile zu verbinden.

A noun with multiple meanings: a peasant farmer in the Scottish Highlands, a medieval English villein, or a fastener consisting of a wedge or pin inserted through a slot to hold two other pieces together.

1. Scottish peasant farmerC1formalbritish

   A peasant farmer who lived in a cottage and worked on a small plot of land, historically in the Scottish Highlands.

   Cotter

   • The cotter tended his small field of oats and barley.
   • In the Highlands, a cotter often paid rent through labor.
   • The life of a cotter was one of hard work and little reward.

   Synonymecottagercottarcottiercrofter

2. Medieval English villeinC1formalbritish

   A medieval English peasant who was bound to the land and owed service to a lord, similar to a serf.

   Cotter

   • The cotter was required to work the lord's fields for several days each week.
   • Medieval records list the number of cotters on each manor.
   • A cotter had fewer rights than a free tenant.

   Synonymecottarcottier

3. Mechanical fastenerB2formal

   A wedge or pin inserted through a slot to hold two other pieces together, often used in machinery.

   Splint

   • The mechanic replaced the cotter to secure the axle.
   • A cotter pin is essential for keeping the wheel in place.
   • He inserted a cotter through the bolt to prevent it from loosening.

   Synonymecotter pinkeypinwedge