v. & n.
v.intr. 1 stand or walk unsteadily or feebly (tottered out of the pub). 2 a (of a building etc.) shake or rock as if about to collapse. b (of a system of government etc.) be about to fall.
n. an unsteady or shaky movement or gait. totterer n. tottery adj.
[ ME f. MDu. touteren to swing ]