Why is a cottage loaf called loaf?

The word "loaf" simply refers to a shaped mass of baked bread. It's been used for centuries to describe bread, long before the cottage loaf even existed.

The "cottage" part of the name comes from the fact that it was a popular bread for making in cottages, particularly in rural areas of England. It's a bit of a misleading name, as it's not actually the type of bread people typically made in cottages – that would have been simpler, plainer loaves. The cottage loaf, with its unique shape and crusty exterior, became popular for its delicious taste and impressive appearance.

So, the answer is simple: it's called a cottage loaf because it's a loaf of bread that was traditionally made in cottages.