A wide and deep ditch, usually filled with water, surrounding a medieval town or fortress for protection against attacks; part of the defense system of any fortified place: The hero swam across the moat in order to reach the castle and rescue the captive princess.

To shed or to cast off a covering of hair, feathers, skin, etc. which is then replaced with new growth in the same place: The new chicks will molt their fluffy yellow down which will then be superseded by darker adult plumage.

Snakes molt as they grow, shedding their old overlapping scales and regenerating new and larger ones.

A tiny speck or particle of dust, dirt, etc.: Philip likes to watch the mote dance in the sunbeam coming through his window.