noun
- a small hill or mound, especially an artificial one on which a castle was built
Usage: historical; architecture
Examples
- The Norman castle was built on a motte surrounded by a defensive ditch.
- Archaeologists discovered the remains of a wooden tower on the ancient motte.
- The motte and bailey design was common in medieval fortifications.
- Visitors can still see the grassy motte where the keep once stood.
- The artificial motte provided a commanding view of the surrounding countryside.
- Many English castles began as simple wooden structures on a motte.