late 14c., "parti-colored" (originally of fabric), from Anglo-French motteley, probably from Old English mot "speck" (see mote). But Klein's sources say probably from Gaulish. "Diversified in color," especially of a fool's dress. Hence, allusively, "a fool" (1600). As a noun meaning "cloth of mixed color" from late 14c.
例文
1. The room was filled with a motley collection of furniture and paintings.
部屋には様々な家具や絵画が並んでいる。
2.His friends were a motley crew.
彼の友人は三教九流に全部いる。
3.The volunteers seem a motley crew.
ボランティアには誰でもいるようです。
4.The motley company had increased to ten.
この烏合の衆は10人に増えた。
5.The room was soon filled with a motley assemblage.