1. mote verbal auxiliary \ˈmōt\
Definition of MOTE
archaic
: may, might
Origin of MOTE
Middle English, from Old English mōtan to be allowed to — more at must
First Known Use: before 12th century
2. mote noun \ˈmōt\
: a very small piece of dust, dirt, etc.
Full Definition of MOTE
: a small particle : speck
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Examples of MOTE
<there's not a mote of dirt in that woman's house>
Origin of MOTE
Middle English mot, from Old English; akin to Middle Dutch & Frisian mot sand
First Known Use: before 12th century