Mote

[A-S. mōt, gemōt. See MOOT.] A word used in composition, and signifying meeting, as in burgh-mote, folk-mote, and the like.

n. [A-S. mot, D. mōt, moet, moete, Sp. mota, a small knot on cloth, a slight defect or fault.] A small particle; any thing proverbially small; a spot; a speck.

The little motes in the sun do ever stir, though there is no wind. Bacon.

We are motes in the midst of generations. Lawlor.

Mōte, for mought, might, or must. [Obs.] “To rescue her if ill mote her betide.” Fairfax.