Cotter

By Crusader1307

The term ''Cotter'' derived in Germany and migrated to Scotland. It is the definition applied to a Peasant Farmer of the 11th Century AD. Associated with the previously discussed ''Villian'', the term is also applied to a Tenant of Land (Middle Ages). The term is more prevalent in 17th Century Scotland when Cotter's were ''Land Lease'' (Title) Owners. This time at the time was not associated with wealth, however. A Lease Holder was often indentured to a Lord or similar Nobleman (a condition well accepted throughout Europe since the 11th Century AD). Cotters also supplemented their small income derived from their portion of farming (the lion share going to The Landowner) – by blacksmithing, weaving and other ''menial'' by necessary craftsmen functions. By the rise of The Industrial Age, ''Cottering'' would die out – with the need to farm being slowly replaced by the primary importation of food stuffs. Those Cotters that embraced their ''side occupations'' often migrated to The Cities to further their ''new'' Trades.