means A mostly nocturnal insect related to the butterfly, with feathery antennae and dull-colored wings, known for flying toward light and chewing through fabric.

from From Old English 'moþþe,' with cousins across the Germanic family — Dutch 'mot,' German 'Motte.' The ancient sense leaned toward the grub that eats cloth rather than the winged adult, which is why moths still carry that reputation as quiet destroyers of wool. Beyond Germanic, the deeper roots fade into uncertainty.