Motley \Mot"ley\, a. [OE. mottelee, motle; cf. OF. mattel['e] clotted, curdled, OF, ciel mattonn['e] a mottled sky, mate, maton, curdled milk, Prov. G. matte curd. Cf. Mottle.]

1. Variegated in color; consisting of different colors; dappled; party-colored; as, a motley coat.

2. Wearing motley or party-colored clothing. See Motley,

1. ``A motley fool.'' --Shak.

3. Composed of different or various parts; heterogeneously made or mixed up; discordantly composite; as, motley style. --Byron.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Motley \Mot"ley\, n.

1. A combination of distinct colors; esp., the party-colored cloth, or clothing, worn by the professional fool. --Chaucer. ``Motley 's the only wear.'' --Shak.

2. Hence, a jester, a fool. [Obs.]

--Shak.

Man of motley, a fool. [Obs.]

--Beau. & Fl.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)