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July 26, 2019

Word of the Day: Motley

1 CQ

Word of the Day : July 26, 2019

motley \MAHT-lee\ adjective

Definition

1 : variegated in color

2 : made up of many different people or things

Did You Know?

Motley made its debut as an English adjective and noun in the 14th century, but etymologists aren't completely sure where it came from. Many think it probably derived from the Middle English mot, meaning "mote" or "speck." The word is also used as a noun identifying a multicolored fabric, a garment made from such a fabric, or—perhaps the best known sense of all—the fool who often wore such outfits in the European courts of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Aired July 26, 2019

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