v. (US putter)
1 intr. a (often foll. by about, around) work or occupy oneself in a desultory but pleasant manner (likes pottering about in the garden). b (often foll. by at, in) dabble in a subject or occupation.
2 intr. go slowly, dawdle, loiter (pottered up to the pub).
3 tr. (foll. by away) fritter away (one's time etc.).
Derivatives:
potterer n.
Etymology: frequent. of dial. pote push f. OE potian
2.
n. a maker of ceramic vessels.
Phrases and idioms:
potter's field a burial place for paupers, strangers, etc. (after Matt. 27:7). potter's wheel a horizontal revolving disc to carry clay for making pots.
Etymology: OE pottere (as POT(1))
Useful english dictionary. 2012.