motley

[ mot-lee ]
/ ˈmɒt li /

adjective

noun, plural mot·leys.

Origin of motley

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at mote1, -ly

Definition for motley (2 of 2)

Motley
[ mot-lee ]
/ ˈmɒt li /

noun

John Lo·throp [loh-thruh p] /ˈloʊ θrəp/,1814–77, U.S. historian and diplomat.

Example sentences from the Web for motley

British Dictionary definitions for motley

motley
/ (ˈmɒtlɪ) /

adjective

made up of elements of varying type, quality, etc
multicoloured

noun

a motley collection or mixture
the particoloured attire of a jester
obsolete a jester

Word Origin for motley

C14: perhaps from mot speck, mote 1