motte

or mott

[ mot ]

/ mɒt /

noun Chiefly Southwestern U.S.

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

Nearby words

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. 2019

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