Potter's asthma (Med.), emphysema of the lungs; -- so called because
very prevalent among potters. Parkers. -- Potter's clay. See under
Clay. -- Potter's field, a public burial place, especially in a city,
for paupers, unknown persons, and criminals; -- so named from the field
south of Jerusalem, mentioned in Matt. xxvii. 7. -- Potter's ore. See
Alquifou. -- Potter's wheel, a horizontal revolving disk on which the
clay is molded into form with the hands or tools. "My thoughts are
whirled like a potter's wheel." Shak. -- Potter wasp (Zoˆl.), a small
solitary wasp (Eumenes fraternal) which constructs a globular nest of
mud and sand in which it deposits insect larvÊ, such as cankerworms, as
food for its young.
Pot"ter, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Pottered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Pottering.]
[Cf. W. pwtio to poke, or OD. poteren to search one thoroughly, Sw.
pÂta, peta, to pick, E. pother, put.] 1. To busy one's self with
trifles; to labor with little purpose, energy, of effect; to trifle; to
pother.
Pottering about the Mile End cottages.
Mrs. Humphry Ward.