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Motley
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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For other uses, see
Motley (disambiguation).
Harlequin in motley attire, year 1761 by Maurice Sand
Motley refers to the traditional
costume of the
court jester, or the
harlequin character in
commedia dell'arte. The latter wears a patchwork of red, green and blue diamonds that is still a
fashion motif.
The word motley is described in the
Oxford English Dictionary as a
cognate with medley, although the unrelated mottled has also contributed to the meaning. The word is most commonly used as an
adjective or
noun, but is also seen as a
verb and
adverb. When used as a noun, it can mean "a varied mixture." As an adjective, it is generally disparaging ? a motley collection is an uninspiring pile of stuff.
The word originated in England between the 14th and 17th centuries and referred to a It was the characteristic dress of the professional fool. During the reign of
Elizabeth I, motley served the important purpose of keeping the fool outside the social hierarchy and therefore not subject to class distinction. Since the fool was outside the dress laws (
sumptuary law), the fool was able to speak more freely.
Likewise, motley did not have to be checkered and has been recently thought to be one pattern with different colored threads running through it.
?Motley is the only wear.?
--Shakespeare:
As You Like It, ii. 7.