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mothn.1 Origin: A word inherited from Germanic. Etymology: Cognate with Middle Dutch motte , mutte (Dutch mot ), Middle Low German motte , mutte ( > early modern German matte , motte , mutte , German Motte ), Old Icelandic motti , Old Swedish mot (Swedish mott ), Danish †motte . Further etymology uncertain: probably related (in a way that has not been explained satisfactorily) to the Germanic base of mathe n.; a connection with the Germanic base of midge n. has also been suggested (on the evidence of the β. forms), although again the exact relationship is difficult to explain phonologically.The γ. forms are in origin reduced forms of the β. forms, and survive in modern Scots (compare moch n.). In sense 1 translating classical Latin tinea larva of a moth, beetle, grub, maggot; in senses 3a and 3b translating post-classical Latin tinea , respectively ‘a person who behaves as a parasite’ (mid 14th cent. in the passage translated in quot. a1387 at sense 3a), and ‘ringworm of the head’ (5th cent.: compare tinea n.). The name Tinea was applied by Linnaeus to the clothes moths. I. An insect, maggot, etc. the world > animals > by nature > [noun] > vermin OE 1 Moððe word fræt. a1382 (Bodl. 959) (1969) Isa. xiv. 11 He to-hew þi careyn, vnder þee strouwid is a mowȝte [a1425 Corpus Oxf. moȝte; L. tinea], & þi coueryng shal ben wermys. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add.) f. 220 Coriandre..by þis herbe. men destroyen mowȝtes and putteþ longe wormes out of þe wombe [L. depellere ventris lumbricos tineasque], if it is ygrounde and y-dronke wiþ wyn. a1425 (a1396) R. Maidstone Paraphr. Seven Penitential Psalms (BL Add. 39574) 301 in M. Day (1921) 32 (MED) When thei fede moght and mathe, And breres growen aboue her brayn. a1475 J. Russell Bk. Nurture (Harl. 4011) in (2002) i. 134 Ne youre heere ye stryke, ne pyke to pralle for a flesche mought. 1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens ii. xxxvii. 196 This herbe dryueth away and killeth the stinking wormes or Mothes called Cimici. 1658 J. Rowland tr. T. Moffett Theater of Insects in (rev. ed.) 998 There are three sorts of Blattæ; the soft Moth, the mill Moth, and the unsavoury or stinking Moth. 1748 tr. Vegetius 83 Small Maggots or Moths, which others call Lice cause an intolerable Pain in the Intestines. 1826 15 July 504/2 A deal table, curtailed of its legitimate height by the moths. 2. the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > Heterocera > [noun] > family Tineidae > clothes-moth OE (Northumbrian) vi. 20 Ubi neque aerugo neque tinea demolitur : ðer ne hrust ne ec mohðe gespilles. OE (Corpus Cambr.) xii. 33 Þyder ðeof ne genealæcð, ne..moððe [c1200 Hatton mogðe] ne gewemð. c1225 (?c1200) (Bodl.) (1940) 26 Mohðe fret te claðes, & cwalm sleað þet ahte. c1350 Nominale (Cambr. Ee.4.20) in (1906) 14* (MED) Mi sleue is raggid..And with moutys [Fr. uerons] gnawyn. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add.) f. 300v The moþþe hatte Tinea and is a worme of cloþes. a1425 (a1400) (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 5572 (MED) Wormes and moghes..in þair clathes has bred. (Harl. 221) 346 Mowȝte, clothe wyrme [v.r. mowhe; Win: Mowth], tinea. a1450 (c1412) T. Hoccleve (Harl. 4866) (1897) 225 (MED) Salamon seiþ..as motthes to a cloþe annoyen, [etc.]. ?1527 L. Andrewe tr. sig. qiiii The Asshes of hym is gode to make white tethe & to kepe the motes out of the clothes. 1535 Inventory Wardrobe Katharine of Arragon 30 in (1855) III Oone counterpoynte..sore perisshid withe mowthis. a1586 Sir P. Sidney tr. (1823) vi. vi Woe, lyke a moth, my face's beauty eates. 1626 F. Bacon §696 The Moath breedeth upon Cloth;..It delighteth to be about the Flame of a Candle. 1683 W. Soames tr. N. Boileau-Despréaux iii. 48 Neglected heaps we in by-corners lay, Where they become to Worms and Moths a prey. 1726 (ed. 3) Oak of Jerusalem, a Plant call'd also Oak of Paradise... The Herb being dry'd and laid amongst Cloths, preserves them from Moths. 1755 S. Johnson Moth, a small winged insect that eats cloths and hangings. 1857 J. W. Carlyle (1883) II. 313 She let the moths get into my fur last year. 1878 T. Hardy III. iv. v. 23 He appeared as a mere parasite of the heath, fretting its surface in his daily labour as a moth frets a garment. 1938 Oct. 114/1 (advt.) Macy..guarantees your beautiful new Mayflower blankets against moth damage. 1941 50 232 I can hear the sound of moths chumbling the clothes in that chest. 1997 A. Wood (BBC TV script) (O.E.D. Archive) Episode 602. 60 Moths...They're everywhere. I've had to move Terry's clothes until I've got rid of 'em. the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > Heterocera > [noun] > member of (moth) 1646 Sir T. Browne iii. xv. 141 Some flye with two wings,..some with foure, as all farinaceous or mealy winged animals, as Butter-flies and Moths . View more context for this quotation 1721 R. Bradley 137 Moths have their Antennæ short and feathered. 1753 Suppl. Phalenæ, the name by which authors distinguish those butterflies which fly by night, and which the French thence call papilions nocturnes, and we vulgarly moths. 1753 Suppl. Those moths which have large and heavy bodies..always make a great noise in flying. 1759 S. Johnson 7 July 209 I happened to catch a Moth of peculiar variegation. 1840 E. A. Poe Ligeia in I. 176 I recognized it, let me repeat, sometimes..in the survey of a rapidly-growing vine—in the contemplation of a moth, a butterfly, a chrysalis, a stream of running water. 1847 Ld. Tennyson ii. 24 When these were on, And we as rich as moths from dusk cocoons. 1897 B. Stoker xxi. 286 By making them happen... And big moths, in the night, with skull and cross-bones on their backs. 1911 J. Muir 172 His trousers..have become so adhesive with the mixed fat and resin that..moth and butterfly wings, legs and antennae of innumerable insects, or even whole insects..adhere to them. 1951 V. S. Summerhayes iii. 51 The pyramidal orchid is a very beautiful example of perfect adjustment to pollination by butterflies and moths. 1988 B. Chatwin 115 Moths were whirling round the street lamps. the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > Heterocera > [noun] > unspecified and miscellaneous types > unspecified 1802 J. Woodforde 7 Feb. (1931) V. 366 Miss W. wore her riding Habit all Day to destroy the Moth that had gone into it. 1875 May 115/3 Stuffed animals have been protected by arsenic against moth and worms. 1916 P. Macquoid in S. Lee & C. T. Onions II. xx. 127 Inside all of them was a little hanging covered box supposed to have been made originally to hold candles—the old remedy against moth. 1989 130/1 Cloth dolls do not break but are susceptible to moth. II. Extended uses. †3. the mind > possession > acquisition > [noun] > one who obtains or acquires > by irregular means a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1874) V. 119 (MED) Meny moȝtes [L. tineas] he clepede, and ratouns, of þe paleys. the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of visible parts > skin disorders > [noun] > ring-worm or favus a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add.) f. 80 We clepiþ þat yuel tynea moþþe, for it fretiþ & gnaweþ þe ouer partie of þe skyn of þe heed as a moþþe &..brediþ..greet icchinge. 1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault i. xii. 84 For the falling of the haire called the moth, wash the head [etc.]. 4. the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > [noun] > devouring (of fire, etc.) > that which devours (of fire, insects, etc.) > one who or that which consumes time, money, etc. 1577 G. Whetstone xxvi The valiant man, so playes a pleasant parte: When mothes of mone, doo gnaw vppon his hart. 1605 F. Bacon ii. sig. Cc3 The Corruptions and Mothes of Historie, which are Epitomes. View more context for this quotation c1680 W. Beveridge (1729) I. 535 That which ye have unlawfully gotten..will be a moth in your estates, which will..eat them up. a1709 J. Fraser (1905) 424 It proved a moth in her mony. 1769 J. Norton Let. 28 July in (1968) 99 As to vending european goods I have ever found it a great Moth in my Garment, the Stock & profits thereof centers in outstanding debts. 1861 D. Greenwell 208 This garment old And fretted by the moth Thy love hath borne Upon Thee. 1927 3 138 An extravagance or great expense [was] ‘an awful moth’. 1950 T. S. Eliot i. i. 42 There's no memory you can wrap in camphor but the moths will get in. 1968 E. R. Buckler xii. 165 Any chronic drain on the purse (such as county taxes) was ‘quite a moth’. the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > [noun] > self-destruction > self-destroyer the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [noun] > that which is unimportant > insubstantial 1600 W. Shakespeare ii. ix. 78 Thus hath the candle singd the moath . View more context for this quotation 1613 J. Chamberlain in R. F. Williams (1848) (modernized text) I. 264 But you had not need meet with many such poor moths as Master Pory, who must have both meat and money. a1693 Z. Boyd (1989) vi. 277 A man is but a moth vnder the finger of God. 1785 W. Cowper vi. 211 So man, the moth, is not afraid, it seems, To span Omnipotence. 1866 J. Ruskin in W. G. Collingwood (1893) II. 63 We don't deserve either such blessing or cursing, it seems to poor moth me. 1932 E. Tooné 27 Moths, girls lured to the bright lights of cities, who flutter awhile, and then drift into tenderloin quarters—or pass into a graveyard. 1993 29 Jan. 2/4 Jerry..is dubbed the social moth for the manner in which he flits around the New York ladies. society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [noun] > a prostitute 1896 J. S. Farmer & W. E. Henley IV. 360/1 Moth, a prostitute; a fly-by-night. 1935 A. J. Pollock 78/1 Moth, a female of easy virtue. Compounds C1. General attributive. a. Chiefly literary and poetic, forming nouns denoting, and adjectives designating, things which are characteristic or reminiscent of moths. (a) 1949 R. Moore 36 Still as a moth face on the water, This flower in air is. a1963 S. Plath (1971) 38 The moth-face of her husband, moonwhite and ill, Circles her. 1989 A. Ostriker 14 The moth has to be thinking. Its moth-face frowns. 1921 W. de la Mare 68 Soundless the moth-flit, crisp the death-watch tick. a1910 W. V. Moody Old Pourquoi in 126 I wonder..from what plunging star Your gnarled old hands uplifted are, Between moth-light and cockshut-light, Calling young hearts to war! 1934 T. S. Eliot ii. 84 Moon light and star light, owl and moth light. 1955 J. Kerouac Let. 1 June in J. Kerouac & A. Ginsberg (2010) 295 The same Compassion is realizable in transcendental sight, the heaven rays of mothlight mentioned here. (b) 1931 V. Woolf 254 Jinny's yellow scarf is moth-coloured in this light. 1970 C. Beaton Diary May in (1979) xxvii. 404 The Queen Mother was wearing pale moth-coloured chiffon. 1933 W. de la Mare 161 The secret scent of the moth-hung flower. 1876 G. M. Hopkins Wreck of Deutschland xxvi, in (1967) 60 Or night, still higher, With belled fire and the moth-soft Milky Way. 1958 L. Durrell i. 17 Brightly lit up in the moth-soft darkness of the Aegean night. 1888 R. T. Cooke 222 The moth-white sails that wing-and-wing Up from the purple ocean spring. 1920 D. H. Lawrence xi. 275 Irises rearing purple and moth-white. 1965 A. Stevenson 44 The moth white faces Of her lovers poured down from the gilded pelmet. b. Chiefly objective. (a) 1816 J. Wolcot I. 449 (note) Constantly barked at by Sir Joseph and his moth-hunting phalanx, he resigned the chair. 1887 Feb. 676 Still the banquet and the moth-hunting go on. 1910 W. de la Mare 166 Andy's eyes was never made for moth-hunting. 1958 ‘W. Henry’ xvii. 204 Westward, beyond the spring, the nighthawks had quit their moth-hunting to call sleepily back and forth. 1927 18 Nov. p. xiv/2 One of the favorite and most widely-advertised moth-repellants consists of 97 per cent. of water with 3 per cent. of sodium aluminum silicon fluoride dissolved in it. 1958 S. Hyland xli. 200 Paradichlorbenzene was sold for the first time in the shops as moth repellant in 1932. 1981 (Nexis) 22 Jan. d5 Never use moth repellant on fur. It may discolour it. the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > pest control > [noun] > substances for repelling moths 1937 49 206/1 We have effective moth-repellents, mildew inhibitors and a new chemical which renders fabrics flameproof. 1964 N. G. Clark xix. 390 It [sc. naphthalene] has been employed in the manufacture of fire~lighters, and as a moth-repellent and insecticide. 1890 Moth-trap. 1928 C. L. Metcalf & W. P. Flint ix. 263 Mechanical devices, such as..fly traps, moth traps, maggot traps,..have been used successfully for catching and killing a variety of insects. 1970 19 Oct. 11/8 A moth new to Britain, Plusia accentifera, has been caught in Mr Terry Dillon's moth-trap at Halsted. 1997 R. Fainlight 28 How to describe a mercury vapour moth trap? (b) 1906 J. R. A. Davis tr. P. Knuth II. 163 The species appears to be moth-pollinated. 1945 W. O. Howarth & L. G. G. Warne (ed. 9) xi. 264 Moth-pollinated flowers are generally white or pale-coloured, sweetly scented, and open in the evening. 1996 28 175/1 Four of the six species then at their flowering peak..bore fragrant tubular flowers likely to be moth-pollinated. 1942 G. G. Denny (ed. 5) ii. 119 Dry cleaners and laundries may apply moth-repellent treatment. 1970 Sept. 265/2 The carpet is moth-resistant. 1990 (Nexis) 6 Sept. c12 They should be stored with a moth-resistant pot pourri. C2. 1855 J. Ogilvie Moth-blight, species of Aleyrodes. 1890 Moth-blight, a homopterous insect of the genus Aleurodes or family Aleurodidæ: so called from their resemblance to moths and the injury they do to plants. the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > Heterocera > [noun] > family Pyralidae > diatraea saccharalis (moth-borer) the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > Heterocera > [noun] > member of (moth) > young > destructive 1900 21 June 182/2 A considerable number of the eggs of the moth borer (which are laid in patches on the leaves of the sugar-cane) are attacked by parasites. 1931 Sept. 300/1 The attacks of the giant moth-borer..and many other pests began in comparatively recent times [in the West Indies]. 1974 XVII. 771/1 The moth borer, Diatraea saccharalis, which is widely distributed throughout cane-growing areas, is capable of causing extensive damage when out of control. the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > order Diptera or flies > [noun] > suborder Nematocera > family Psychodidae > member of 1552 R. Huloet s.v. Moth flye, Hepiolus, Tinea, æ, Tinea, is the flye with longe legges that flieth about a candle. a1638 R. M. in R. Brownlow (1651) To Rdr. sig. A2 Which condition imposes upon him something more more then Metaphorically, the semblance of a Moth-flye, which is in nothing so solicitious, as in its own ruine. 1668 W. Charleton 47 Blatta..the Moth-fly, produced out of the Meal-Worm. 1791 9 114 The moth-fly..gets in and lays her eggs in the comb. 1899 D. Sharp in VI. ii. 470 Fam. 7—Psychodidae (Moth Flies).—Extremely small, helpless flies [etc.]. 1962 R. M. Gordon & M. M. J. Lavoipierre xx. 131 Members of the subfamily Phlebotominae, are commonly known as sandflies and may be distinguished from flies belonging to the other three subfamilies, which are known as moth flies or owl midges. 1991 15 June 24/1 There are three main offenders: the window gnat (Sylvicola fenestralis), non-biting midges (chironomids) and moth flies (psychodids). 1890 J. S. Billings II. 171/1 Moth-freckle, chloasma. the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > order Diptera or flies > [noun] > suborder Nematocera > family Psychodidae > member of 1855 J. Ogilvie Moth-gnats, the species of small dipterous insects of the genus Bychoda, which have curiously-ciliated wings. 1885 C. Swainson 97 Nightjar (Caprimulgus europæus)... From its fondness for moths and beetles it has also the names of..Moth hawk (Forfar). 1894 A. Newton et al. 593 Moth-hawk, Moth-hunter, names of the nightjar. 1994 10 Nov. 4/1 Nightjars, also known as screech or moth hawks, had been in steep decline since the early part of the century. 1890 W. B. Yeats (1892) 108 At the moth-hour of eve. 1909 E. Pound 23 The moth-hour of our day is upon us Holding the dawn. 1966 A. C. Rich Necessities of Life in (1993) (title) Moth hour. the world > animals > birds > perching birds > order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars, etc.) > [noun] > family Caprimulgidae > member of genus Caprimulgus > caprimulgus europaeus (nightjar) 1816 J. Wolcot I. 449 A moth-hunter, a crab-catcher, a bat, That owes its sole existence to a gnat! 1840 E. Blyth et al. 196 The Moth-hunters bear the same relationship to the Swifts (not to the Swallows) that the Owls do to the Hawks. 1894 A. Newton et al. 593 Moth-hawk, Moth-hunter, names of the nightjar. 1937 P. B. M. Allan (title) Moth-hunter's gossip. 1941 H. G. Wells iii. xxii. 218 As moth hunters treacle for moths. 1986 61 278/2 The price of the book will inhibit purchase by the many amateur moth-hunters. the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > Heterocera > [noun] > family Noctuidae > member of genus Acronycta > acronicta leporina (moth-miller) 1846 19 Dec. 728/2 We have before given a minute account of the moth-miller. 1865 25 Nov. 747/3 If there is one little hole in your linen or paper, some industrious moth-miller is pretty sure to discover it. 1899 S. O. Jewett 207 I'd looked more'n twenty times to see if there was any more moth-millers. the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > according to family > Scrophulariaceae (figwort and allies) > [noun] > mullein 1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens i. lxxxii. 122 It may be called in English Purple, or Mothe Mulleyn. 1597 J. Gerard ii. 634 Concerning the plants comprehended vnder the titles of Blattaria, or Moth Mulleins, I finde nothing written of them, sauing that mothes, butterflies, and all maner of smaller flies and bats, do resort vnto the place wheresoeuer these herbes be laide or strowed. 1607 E. Topsell 538 The Hearbe called Purple, or Mothmullein. 1648 J. Bobart Eng. Catal. at Mullein, in Yellow Mothmulleine, Blattaria flo, luteo. 1778 R. Weston (ed. 2) 303 Moth Mullein. Yellow Moth Mullein. White. 1931 M. Grieve II. 563/2 In some species, Verbascum nigrum, the Dark Mullein, and V. blattaria, the Moth Mullein, the filament hairs are purple. 1996 238 Moth Mullein. Quite distinct from the other species we offer. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > orchids 1880 F. W. Burbidge ii. 18 In Singaporean gardens the rarest of moth orchids are planted in cocoanut-shells. 1942 69 168 Phalaenopsis, the moth orchid, a Malasian member of the Sarcanthinae, grows as an epiphyte in the rain forests. 1993 D. Wakoski 190 Downstairs there were the white phalanopsis flowers, the moth orchids, blooming. 2001 29 Dec. (Weekend Suppl.) 55/4 Occasionally, these plantlets do appear on moth orchid (phalaenopsis) stems. 1863 7 Nov. 111 Anything that will remove moth patches, without injuring the skin in texture or color, would no doubt be considered a great achievement in medical science. 1885 (Edwards & Critten) (new ed.) 180/1 This preparation removes tan, pimples, freckles, moth-patches, rash and skin diseases, and every blemish on beauty. 1907 W. A. Pusey xi. 790 Chloasma. Synonyms: moth patches, liver spots. 1934 M. Verni xxiv. 260 (heading) Treatment for moth patches. 1869 24 Apr. 107/2 The fair face that, with all her care to avoid the sun, would show an occasional moth spot, or freckle. 1901 F. Norris ii. viii. 571 Here and there upon his face were moth spots. 1922 F. Courtenay 26 The so-called ‘moth spots’, brown spots or patches which appear after middle life, are due to this tan pigment. 1820 J. Keats Lamia i, in 16 Now on the moth-time of that evening dim He would return that way. 1885 Dec. 258/1 Bee-time and moth-time, add the amount; White heat and honey, who keeps the count? 1913 J. Masefield 23 Mutely, at moth time there, their spirits yearned. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > composite flowers > everlasting or immortelle 1597 J. Gerard ii. 520 The branches and leaues laid among clothes keepeth them from moths, whereupon it [sc. Eliochryson] hath bene called of some Mothweede, or Mothwoort. 1598 J. Florio The herb called Mothweede, or golden Floweramour, or golden Stœchados or Cudweede. the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > Heterocera > [noun] > member of (moth) > young 1612 H. Ainsworth vi. 8 Ghnash is a moth-worme, Psalm 39. 12. that fretteth garments. 1821 S. L. Knapp 38 To show the moth-worm from its birth in the dust, through its chrysalis state, to its bursting into life, in its second and beautiful form of existence. 1860 J. H. Walden 70 This, or the destruction of the bees and saving the honey, is always necessary, when moth-worms are in possession. 1861 July 196/3 July and August produce more moth worms than we find all the rest of the season. 1885 H. C. McCook 91 The moth-worms pass the summer within these silk-lined rolls. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > composite flowers > everlasting or immortelle 1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens i. lxi. 89 Called..in English Golde floure, Motheworte, or Golden Stechados. 1597 J. Gerard ii. 519 Of Golden Mothwoort, or Cudweede. 1706 (new ed.) Ageraton, an Herb call'd Everlasting; Mothwort, Cotton-weed, or Maudlin. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2002; most recently modified version published online March 2022). mothn.2 Origin: A borrowing from Hindi. Etymon: Hindi moṭh. Etymology: < Hindi moṭh < Sanskrit mukuṣṭha. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > pulses or plants producing pulses > [noun] > bean > other types of bean the world > food and drink > food > fruit and vegetables > vegetables > pulse > [noun] > bean > other beans 1832 W. Roxburgh et al. (new ed.) III. 299 P[haseolus] aconitifolius... Hind. Moot. This plant I have reared from seed sent me by Dr. Hunter from the province of Oude where it is much cultivated..and used for feeding cattle.] 1840 XVIII. 58/1 P[haseolus] aconitifolius, Moth of the natives, is cultivated in the north-western provinces, and used for feeding cattle. 1875 I. 777/2 The principal agricultural products of Amritsar are..rice,..moth (Phaseolus aconitifolius), and másh (Phaseolus radiatus) for the autumn crop. 1886 A. H. Church 152 The moth-bean..is found from the Himálaya to Ceylon... It is not esteemed as a food for man, for although it is rich in nutrients, it is generally thought to possess heating properties. 1923 H. C. Thompson xxiv. 334 The term ‘bean’ as used in the United States includes..several species of oriental beans, including adsuki,..moth and rice beans belonging to the genus Phaseolus. 1979 (National Acad. Sci.–National Res. Council (U.S.)) ii. 76 Fields of moth bean make valuable pastures and have been cultivated for this purpose in India, California, and Texas. 1991 B. 61 357 A toxigenic strain of Penicillium citrinum was found invariably associated with the stored seeds of moth bean. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2002; most recently modified version published online March 2022). MOTHn.3 Origin: Formed within English, as an acronym. Etymon: English Memorable Order of Tin Hats. Etymology: Acronym < the initial letters of Memorable Order of Tin Hats, the name of an organization founded in Durban, Natal, in 1927 by Charles Evenden (see quots. 1952 at sense 1 and 1983 at sense 1). South African. 1929 5 June 8 A very successful bridge drive was given by the Roodepoort Dugout M.O.T.H. in the Roodepoort Club, in aid of the Roodepoort hospital fund. 1939 5 Sept. 5 The Benoni branch of the Moths..is holding its monthly meeting at 8 p.m. tomorrow. 1952 25 Nov. (Centenary Souvenir) In 1927 ‘The Natal Mercury’ cartoonist, Evo [i.e. Charles Evenden], published probably one of the most significant cartoons on Remembrance ever drawn. From this cartoon he conceived the idea of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats... Thus inspired, he wrote the rules of the M.O.T.H., leaving out all officialism. 1979 7 Dec. 3 Ex-servicemen's organizations such as the Moths. 1983 L. Capstickdale in Dec. 16 The story of the MOTH organisation..is the story of one extraordinary man... That man was Charles Evenden—MOTH ‘O’, or Evo, as he was affectionately known to all. 1979 15 Mar. 3 Moths elected Mr MacEwan..as the new Old Bill. 1983 Dec. 18 The famous British admiral, Evans of the Broke..was himself a Moth. 1989 20 June 2 Moths have not forgotten their wartime leader and fellow Moth, Jan Christiaan Smuts. 1993 G. O'Neill in 22 July 4 These sombre thoughts were lightened by the knowledge that my brother M.O.T.H.S. from the Makanaskop Shellhole would..be holding a service, in lieu of the parade. This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, December 2002; most recently modified version published online March 2022). mothadj. Origin: Probably a variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymon: moch adj. Etymology: Probably < moch adj., with change of final -ch to -th (compare earlier moth v.1, mothy adj.2). Compare also mooth adj. Scottish. rare. 1808 J. Jamieson Moth, warm, sultry. 1911 A. Warrack 366/2 Moth, warm, sultry. This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, December 2002; most recently modified version published online March 2022). † mothv.1Origin: Probably a variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymon: moch adj. Etymology: Probably < moch adj., with change of final -ch to -th (compare moth adj., mothy adj.2). Compare also moch v.1The word has been alternatively explained as resulting merely from scribal error for moch v.1 (in the handwriting of many manuscripts of the period the letters c and t are often confused); however, the existence of moth adj. and mothy adj.2 makes this explanation less likely. Scottish ( north-eastern). Obsolete. the world > matter > condition of matter > bad condition of matter > deteriorate in condition [verb (intransitive)] > rot or putrefy 1624 in P. J. Anderson (1889) I. 198 If the saidis buikis sall ly still in dry wairis during all this interim, not onlie sall the most pairt of thame mothe and consume but [etc.]. c1650 J. Spalding (1850) I. 81 The cornes..began to mothe [1828 moche] and rot. This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, December 2002; most recently modified version published online December 2020). mothv.2Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: moth n.1 Etymology: < moth n.1 In sense 2 probably after mothing n. 1. 1693 in J. Grant (1912) 126 The cloathes may moth if not taken care of. 1949 R. Moore 35 The weather blew through its year Its months of moon mothing, Its spools unwinding. 1956 R. Fitzgerald 147 And a leaf tangled, mothing In a well of yellow day. 1908 Moth, to hunt for moths. 1934 Moth, to hunt for moths. 1965 J. Caird iii. 31 I just wanted to ask if you'd be free to come mothing with me this evening... Catching moths. 2002 Vaportape Strips in Bucket Traps in sci.bio.entomology.lepidoptera (Usenet newsgroup) 11 Apr. Does anyone know how effective vaportape strips would be for use in a uv bucket trap, as an alternative to ethyl acetate? Hey, when you run out, you just can't stop mothing. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2002; most recently modified version published online March 2022). <  n.1OE n.21840 n.31929 adj.1808 v.11624v.21693 |
