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Cottar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cottar

[ˈkɒt.ər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

rural life

A cottar is a type of agricultural laborer or tenant who occupies a cottage and works the land. Traditionally found in rural areas, cottars are often distinguished from landlords and wealthier farmers. They typically do not own the land they cultivate; instead, they may rent or be given small plots as part of a system of shared agricultural work. Cottars played an essential role in the agrarian economies of various cultures, often working under the supervision of a landholder while maintaining subsistence farming.

Synonyms

cottager, farm laborer, tenant.

Examples of usage

  • The cottar worked diligently to provide for his family.
  • Cottars were often responsible for maintaining the fields assigned to them.
  • In many villages, cottars formed a close-knit community.
  • She learned the ways of a cottar from her parents.
  • The cottar's cottage was small but filled with warmth.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In medieval Europe, cottars were often peasants who had less land and resources than full farmers, but still played a vital role in agricultural society.
  • The cottar system was common in Scotland, where they would farm small plots of land provided by wealthy landlords.

Cultural Significance

  • Cottars are often depicted in folk tales and literature as hardworking, humble characters connected to nature and community.
  • In some cultures, the cottar reflects the idea of simplicity and close-knit living, embodying a lifestyle that prioritizes family and land.

Modern Usage

  • The word 'cottar' has become less common, but it may still be used in discussions about historical agricultural practices and rural life.
  • In contemporary contexts, the concept of a cottar can be related to discussions about sustainable living and small-scale farming.

Literature

  • Cottars appear in works like Robert Burns' poetry, showcasing their role in rural Scottish life.
  • In many stories, cottars symbolize resilience, often facing hardships yet finding joy in simple pleasures.

Origin of 'cottar'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from Old English 'cotter', which refers to someone who lives in a small house on someone else's land.
  • It has roots in the word 'cote', meaning a shelter for animals, reflecting the rural lifestyle associated with cottars.

The term 'cottar' originates from the Old English word 'cotter', which is derived from 'cote', meaning a small house or shelter, and 'er', indicating a person associated with it. This word has deep historical roots in medieval agrarian societies, where the cottar system became prevalent. Cottars typically lived in modest cottages and worked on the land for a lord or a larger landowner. The cottar's role was significant in the feudal system, where they would often receive a small plot of land in exchange for labor or services rendered to the lord. Over time, as agricultural practices evolved and societal structures changed, the influence and definitions surrounding cottars began to shift, but the term remains a distinctive reference to a particular class of rural dweller.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,450, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.