Word of the Day - 10/14/25
coterie
/'koʊtərə/(n.): an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
The artist's coterie of loyal patrons always attended her private exhibitions.
Word Origin
The word 'coterie' originates from French, where it initially referred to a group of tenants who held land from a feudal lord. These tenants were known as 'cotiers', derived from 'côte', meaning 'cottage' or 'hut', which itself comes from a Germanic root. The meaning evolved from this specific group of landholders to a more general sense of an exclusive group of people with shared interests or tastes.
The word 'cote', as in 'dovecote' (a shelter for doves), shares a similar etymological root, referring to a small shelter or dwelling. 'Cottage' also traces back to a related root, signifying a small house.