[f. COTTON v. + -ER1. Cf. OF. cotonneor, -ere, f. coton COTTON, down, nap.]
1. One who cottons, friezes, or puts a nap on cloth.
1557. Act 4–5 Phil. & Mary, c. 5 § 12. Persons … of the Art or Science of Sheermen, Cottoners or Frisers.
1769. Dublin Mercury, 16–19 Sept., 2/2. The journeymen cotteners and nappers in the woollen manufactury of … Dublin.
1871. A. S. Harvey, in Gd. Words, 608. The drapers, cottoners, and frizers of Shrewsbury.
2. A local name for the Water Elder (Viburnum Lantana), from its white cottony appearance. (Britten & Holland.)
