MOAT

A ditch made round the old castles, and filled with water. In some cases this still remains, as at Lickbill Castle; whilst In others they are drained and planted, as at the palace of the Black Prince at Ellham. For the most part, however, all traces of them have disappeared. The moat surrounding a military fortre of modern construction(or the ditch) is left dry; but where it is capable Of inundation at pleasure, this circumstance is considered an advantage to the system of defence. MOBILlTY. (I. at. moveo, / move.) One of the general properties of matter, in virtue of which every' body at rest can he put In motion by the action of a force adequate tn overcome Its inertia. See Matter. M NE. A species of agate. [s. 775]