in reference to a kind of loose, full gown worn by women, 1878, from Old Mother Hubbard, nursery rhyme, which was printed 1805, written by Sarah Catherine Martin (1768-1826) but based on earlier material of unknown origin. The name is attested from 1591.
motet
moth
mothball
mother
Mother Goose
Mother Hubbard
mother lode
motherfucker
motherhood
mothering
mother-in-law
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