mote

¹

[ moht ]

noun

1. a small particle or speck, especially of dust.
2. moit.

mote

²

[ moht ]

verb

, Archaic.

, past moste [mohst].

1. may or might.

mote

¹

/ məʊt /

verb

1. archaic.
   takes an infinitive without to may or might

mote

²

/ məʊt /

noun

1. a tiny speck

Other Words From

• motey adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mote¹

before 1000; Middle English, Old English mot speck; cognate with Dutch mot grit, sawdust, Norwegian mutt speck

Origin of mote²

before 900; Middle English mot ( e ), Old English mōt; cognate with German muss. See must ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of mote¹

Old English mōt, first person singular present tense of mōtan to be allowed

Origin of mote²

Old English mot; compare Middle Dutch mot grit, Norwegian mutt speck

Example Sentences

I didn’t expect anything less, but it’s not unreasonable to hope for a mote skepticism from the guy who two years ago said of his guest, “I don’t want to help him. I have no interest in helping him” as his reason for not having Trump on before.

From Salon

“It was always our cautious hope to be able to utilize the best available science for the rehabilitation and release of the sawfish,” said Mote Marine President and CEO Michael Crosb y.

From Seattle Times

At Wednesday’s meeting, University of South Carolina students Thrisha Mote and Anusha Ghosh spoke in favor of the bill.

From Seattle Times

“It’s time to acknowledge that mistral hygiene products are not luxury items but essential necessities for the health and liberty of individuals,” Mote said.

From Seattle Times

And after the subcommittee vote, Ghosh and Mote took photos with Shealy, subcommittee Chairman Republican Sen. Tom Davis and others.

From Seattle Times