Definition of jotter

The word "jotter" has its origins in the early 15th century. It comes from the Old English word "jot", which means "a small amount" or "a jot" (a small portion). A jotter was originally a notebook or a small book used to record short notes, usually in a concise or scribbled manner. The word "jotter" was typically associated with literary or artistic pursuits, such as writing, sketching, or composing music. In the 16th century, the term "jotter" became more widely used as a synonym for a short, informal note or memo. A jotter could be a loose leaf, a scrap of paper, or even a brief, unorganized collection of notes. Over time, the term "jotter" remained in popular usage, eventually giving rise to the modern-day term "notebook" or "journal". Despite this evolution, the core idea of a jotter as a small, informal space for recording thoughts or ideas has remained a constant theme throughout history.