n. 1 a small simple house, esp. in the country. 2 a dwelling forming part of a farm establishment, used by a worker. cottage cheese soft white cheese made from curds of skimmed milk without pressing. cottage hospital Brit. a small hospital not having resident medical staff. cottage industry a business activity partly or wholly carried on at home. cottage loaf a loaf formed of two round masses, the smaller on top of the larger. cottage pie Brit. a dish of minced meat topped with browned mashed potato. cottagey adj.
[ ME f. AF, formed as COT(2), COTE ]