1. plural of cotter: metal pins or wedges used to fasten or secure parts of machinery
Usage: mechanical/engineering
2. plural of cotter: peasant farmers who rent small plots of land
Usage: historical; British

Examples

• The mechanic replaced the worn cotters in the engine assembly.
• Several cotters had broken loose, causing the machinery to malfunction.
• The medieval cotters worked small strips of land for their lord.
• These cotters barely earned enough to feed their families.
• New cotters were installed to secure the connecting rods.
• The village was home to dozens of cotters and their families.