motley
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1mot·ley

adjective \ˈmät-lē\

Definition of MOTLEY

1
: variegated in color <a motley coat>
2
: composed of diverse often incongruous elements <a motley crowd>

Examples of MOTLEY

  1. a motley collection of junk
  2. a motley crew of musicians

Origin of MOTLEY

Middle English, perhaps from mot mote, speck
First Known Use: 14th century

Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator

Rhymes with MOTLEY

2motley

noun

Definition of MOTLEY

1
: a woolen fabric of mixed colors made in England between the 14th and 17th centuries
2
: a garment made of motley; especially : the characteristic dress of the professional fool
3
4
: a mixture especially of incongruous elements

Examples of MOTLEY

  1. <the motleys with their colorful outfits>
  2. <a motley of old junk stored in the attic>

Origin of MOTLEY

Middle English, probably from 1motley
First Known Use: 14th century

Mot·ley

biographical name \ˈmät-lē\

Definition of MOTLEY

John Lothrop 1814–1877 Am. hist.

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