/mawth, moth/ , n. , pl. moths /mawdhz, modhz, mawths, moths/ .
1. any of numerous insects of the order Lepidoptera, generally distinguished from the butterflies by having feathery antennae and by having crepuscular or nocturnal habits.
2. See clothes moth .
[ bef. 950; ME motthe, OE moththe; akin to G Motte, ON motti ]