Emily Dickinson Lexicon

moat (-s), n. [ME mote, mound, hillock, castle-hill, clod of earth.]

1. Trench; fosse; conduit; defensive canal surrounding a castle; channel of water encompassing a garden; [fig.] floral corolla; circle of petals protecting access to pollen; [personification] maidenhead; entrance to intimate relations; [kenning “moat of pearl”] pearly gate (see Revelation 21:21).
2. Bank; mound; [fig.] horizon; skyline.
3. Circuit; circumference; perimeter; circular formation; [kenning “Motes of Mystery”] cloud banks that veil the view of heaven.