1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Moot

MOOT, a meeting or assembly, in O. Eng. mót, gemót, a word of which “to meet” is a derivative. “Moot” or its alternative form “mote” is the common term for the assemblies of the people of the hundred, burgh, &c., in the history of early English institutions, and especially for the national assembly or council, the Witenagemot. The name survives in “moot hall,” the term still given to town-halls and council buildings in some towns in England, as at Aldeburgh. From its meaning of assembly, the word was applied to a debate or discussion, especially of the discussion of a hypothetical case by law students at the Inns of Court. These moots are still carried on at Gray’s Inn. As an adjective, “moot” means doubtful, undecided.