motte and bailey

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun

The predecessor of the European castle, having a raised earth mound (the motte) topped with a tower (or donjon), and a wooden ring fortification surrounding a courtyard (the bailey).
A form of argument and an informal fallacy where an arguer conflates two similar positions, one modest and easier to defend (the "motte") and one much more controversial (the "bailey"), by advancing the controversial position, but when challenged, insisting that they are only advancing the more modest position.

motte and bailey mottes and baileys motte-and-bailey

(form of argument): Coined by philosopher Nicholas Shackel.

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