motte

Meaning

1. A raised earth mound, often topped with a wooden or stone structure and surrounded with a ditch.
2. An argument which is uncontroversial and easy to defend (in the context of a motte and bailey fallacy).

Synonyms

mound

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈmɒt/

Etymology

From French motte, from Anglo-Norman/Old French motte (“mound, hillock”). Doublet of moat.