cotter pin


noun Machinery.

a cotter having a split end that is spread after being pushed through a hole to prevent it from working loose.

Origin of cotter pin

First recorded in 1890–95

British Dictionary definitions for cotter pin

cotter pin

noun machinery

a split pin secured, after passing through holes in the parts to be attached, by spreading the ends
a tapered pin threaded at the smaller end and secured by a nut after insertion