potter

Definition

One who makes pots and other ceramic wares.

Etymology

From Middle English pottere, from Old English pottere (“potter”, in placenames), from Proto-West Germanic *pottārī (“pot-maker”), equivalent to pot + -er. Influenced by Anglo-Norman poter, Old French potier (“potter”). Cognate with Dutch potter (“potter”), German Low German Pötter, Pütter (“potter”). Displaced Old English synonyms lāmwyrhta (“a worker in clay, potter”, literally “loam-worker”), tiġelwyrhta (“brickmaker, potter”, literally “tile-worker”), crocwyrhta (“crocker, potter”, literally “crock-worker”).

Example Sentences

• "shoemakers, weavers, potters, bronzeworkers who produced and purveyed the articles necessary for daily life."
• "the convivial society of gipsies, tinkers, potters, strolling players, &c."