/mawth"bawl', moth"-/ , n.
1. a small ball of naphthalene or sometimes of camphor for placing in closets or other storage areas to repel moths from clothing, blankets, etc.
2. in mothballs ,
a. in disuse or in storage, esp. with reference to standby equipment.
b. (of ideas) dismissed as unworthy of further deliberation.
v.t.
3. to put into storage or reserve; inactivate.
adj.
4. inactive; unused; stored away: a mothball fleet.
[ 1905-10; MOTH + BALL 1 ]