Definition

A medieval power move: stack dirt, plop a fort on top, dig a moat around it, and call yourself a nobleman. Popular with medieval developers who wanted to minimize construction costs while maximizing defensive flex.

Example Usage

The Norman invaders built a motte-and-bailey fortress to establish dominance over the local population.

Source: Medieval architecture terminology, common in historical studies

Related Terms

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See “motte” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

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