The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Chowter \Chow"ter\ (chou"t[~e]r), v. t. [Cf. OE. chowre, and
   Prov. E. chow, to grumble.]
   To grumble or mutter like a froward child. [Obs.] --E.
   Phillips.
   [1913 Webster]