motte

or mott

[ mot ]

/ mɒt /

noun Chiefly Southwestern U.S.

a grove or clump of trees in prairie land or open country.

Words nearby motte

motown, motril, motrin, motser, mott, motte, mottelson, mottle, mottled, mottled enamel, motto

Origin of motte

1830–40, Americanism; < Mexican Spanish mata; Spanish: grove, plantation, perhaps < Late Latin matta mat¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for motte

The American leaders, knowing that this was the home of Mrs. Motte, took counsel with her.
Historic Shrines of America|John T. (John Thomson) Faris
However this may be the mound of earth is all that is now visible as a reminder of Mrs. Motte's sacrifice.
Revolutionary Reader|Sophie Lee Foster
Three daughters came to the Motte home, and the family lived quietly until the outbreak of the Revolution.
Historic Shrines of America|John T. (John Thomson) Faris
Mrs. Motte divided her time between her invalid husband, her timid daughters, and the invaders.
Historic Shrines of America|John T. (John Thomson) Faris

The hunters, at the suggestion, galloped off to surround the motte.
The Scalp Hunters|Mayne Reid

British Dictionary definitions for motte

motte

/ (mɒt) /

noun

history a natural or man-made mound on which a castle was erected

Word Origin for motte

C14: see moat

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012