"a pattern or arrangement of marks or blotches of different colors or shades," 1670s, probably a back-formation from motley.
mottle (v.)
"to mark or cover with spots or blotches of different colors or shades," 1670s; see mottle (n.). Related: Mottled; mottling.
it was not dull grey as distance had suggested, but a mottle of khaki and black and olive-green
motorcycle
motorist
motorize
motorway
Motown
mottle
mottled
motto
moue
mould
moulder
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