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

: jester, fool

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

Related to MOTLEY

Synonyms: jester, fool

Related Words: buffoon, clown, comedian, comedienne, comic, cutup, droll, harlequin, joker, jokester, madcap, merry-andrew, vice, wag, zany; mime, mummer

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