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1The den of an animal, especially that of an otter.
‘They have built a false otter holt, or den, by the river - its exact location is a carefully kept secret - and there are unconfirmed reports that an otter-like creature has been seen in the location.’
‘The trust has also built artificial holts in which otters can breed, and encouraged farmers, landowners and the public to do the same.’
‘Wild bird cover crops, an otter holt and boxes for owls, kestrels and bats all contribute to wildlife diversity.’
‘A holt has been built on the banks of the River Wharfe to encourage the animals to continue using the river.’
‘First, we scramble around rockpools in the furthest corner of the bay, to investigate an otter's holt, hidden under flat rocks.’
‘The otter holt is among the most popular displays.’
2North American dialect A grip or hold.
‘He couldn't get a holt on any money, so I told him about the Farmers' Loan’
‘But the new teacher, very wise, and understanding June's spirit, soon enough found a way to get a holt on the girl's heart strings.’
Origin
Late Middle English (in holt (sense 2)): variant of hold.