BBB Etymology - Moot Point
The word moot can be traced back to the old Anglo-Saxon words mot and gemot, meaning 'meeting'. The political structure of Saxon society took the form of different assemblies where public matters could be debated; the wardmote was a ward meeting, the burgmote a town meeting and the witengemote a meeting of prominent wise men.
The 16th century saw the establishment of mootings, or moot courts at the Inns of Court in London. Here young law students were given the opportunity to sharpen their powers of argument and debate by participating in hypothetical trials. The practice continues to this day.
Moot is also found as a verb. Matters are sometimes 'mooted' (brought up for general discussion) in meetings.
In the idiom, the sense shifts away from simple debate to a contentious issue, with many valid viewpoints and no obvious or easy outcome.
The 16th century saw the establishment of mootings, or moot courts at the Inns of Court in London. Here young law students were given the opportunity to sharpen their powers of argument and debate by participating in hypothetical trials. The practice continues to this day.
Moot is also found as a verb. Matters are sometimes 'mooted' (brought up for general discussion) in meetings.
In the idiom, the sense shifts away from simple debate to a contentious issue, with many valid viewpoints and no obvious or easy outcome.
