motte
or mott
[mot]
|
noun Chiefly Southwestern U.S.
a grove or clump of trees in prairie land or open country.
Origin of motte
1830–40, Americanism; < Mexican Spanish mata; Spanish: grove, plantation, perhaps < Late Latin matta mat1
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for motte
Historical Examples of motte
"Wait till I tell you another thing, Admiral," Motte interposed.
The False ChevalierWilliam Douw Lighthall
During the forenoon we passed over a "motte" of prairie or park.
Seven and Nine years Among the Camanches and ApachesEdwin Eastman
The hunters, at the suggestion, galloped off to surround the motte.
The Scalp HuntersMayne Reid
A motte of timber had served him as a mark: the steed had passed close to its edge.
The War TrailMayne Reid
As we entered the prairie, Captain; but my route will lie past this motte to the left.
The Rifle RangersCaptain Mayne Reid
motte
noun
Word Origin for motte
C14: see moat
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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