Word of the Day: MOTLEY
Mixed or manifold
motley (adj) - combining incongruous colors or parts; exhibiting great diversity of elements [mot-lee]
motley as an noun defers to the fancifully varicolored clothing of a jester or fool
BREAKDOWN: The word motley entered usage in the late 14th century, primarily to describe the mismatched and colorful costumes of court jesters and fools. Shakespeare solidified its place in English with his inclusion of the phrase “motley fool” in As You Like It. Motley can be clearly connected to the Anglo-French motteley and Middle English motle, but its true origins are uncertain. Some records connect motley to mote, meaning small particle or speck.
“The clown knows that life is cruel. The ancient jester’s motley colored costume turned his usually melancholy expression in to a joke. The clown is used to loss. Loss is his prologue.” —John Berger
[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not necessarily or obviously derived from classical roots.]
I dare say that this is one of those words that people might think they know the meaning of, but are actually mistaken.
I know that was my case earlier in my word journey.