moat

moat

noun \ˈmōt\

Definition of MOAT

1

: a deep and wide trench around the rampart of a fortified place (as a castle) that is usually filled with water

2

: a channel resembling a moat (as about a seamount or for confinement of animals in a zoo)

— moat·ed \ˈmō-təd\ adjective

— moat·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Illustration of MOAT

Origin of MOAT

Middle English mote, from Anglo-French mote, motte mound, moat

First Known Use: 14th century

Other History Terms

agonistic, carpetbagger, enceinte, fief, historiography, paladin

Rhymes with MOAT

bloat, boat, coat, cote, dote, float, gloat, goat, groat, haute, mote, note, oat, quote, rote, shoat, stoat, throat, tote, vote