cotter
/ˈkɑtər/
noun
- A metal pin or wedge used to fasten two parts together, especially in machinery.
- He inserted a cotter into the joint to keep the wheel from slipping off.
- The mechanic replaced the old cotter with a new one to secure the axle.
- Without a cotter, the connecting rod would come loose during operation.
- A person who lives in a cottage and works on a farm; a cottar.
- Each cotter had a small plot of land to grow vegetables.
- In old records, the cotter was listed as a tenant of the manor.
- The cotter rose early to milk the cows before sunrise.