A cutter is any type of small spacecraft.
Like its oceangoing counterpart, a cutter may be an auxiliary craft to a larger vessel, or it may be an independent vessel, perhaps used for planetary or system defense.
Pre-warp civilizations may have cutters capable of a maximum speed of one-quarter impulse, but most cutters under the auspices of the United Federation of Planets Starfleet or individual Federation member worlds would be warp-capable.
- The difference between a cutter and clipper, in a spacefaring context, may be one of velocity and not necessarily size of the vessel.
Lyrans fielded police cutters and were even used as the rabble in large fleet engagements. (RIS Bouteina: "Battle at the Grave of Thoughts", "Sphere of Influence")