Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cottier

noun

/ˈkɒtɪə/

Definition

A cottier is a smallholder or agricultural laborer who occupies a cottage or small land plot, often working as a tenant.

Examples

The cottier tended to his fields from dawn till dusk.
In historical accounts, cottiers faced many struggles due to harsh rental conditions.

Meaning

The term refers to a person who lives in a cottage, typically having a modest amount of land to work on, and usually reliant on the landowner for their livelihood. Cottiers were common in rural societies, particularly in Ireland, where they would rent from larger estate owners.