cotter pin

noun, Machinery
1.
a cotter having a split end that is spread after being pushed through a hole to prevent it from working loose.
Origin
1890-95
Examples from the web for cotter pin
  • The ears of the cotter pin had apparently broken and allowed the cotter pin.
  • The accident occurred when the injured worker's vest was caught by the cotter pin.
  • On the other hand, a missing cotter pin in a critical location such as in a connecting rod could have serious consequences.
  • The earlier configuration incorporates a fixed shaft and cotter pin with a different aluminum impeller.
  • Probe the edges of all welded seams with a blunt tipped cotter pin removal tool.
  • Drag link and tie rod ends must be mechanically locked by cotter pin or other element.
British Dictionary definitions for cotter pin

cotter pin

noun (machinery)
1.
a split pin secured, after passing through holes in the parts to be attached, by spreading the ends
2.
a tapered pin threaded at the smaller end and secured by a nut after insertion