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.
实用例句
1. The room was filled with a motley collection of furniture and paintings.
屋子里摆满了五花八门的家具和绘画。
来自《权威词典》
2. His friends were a motley crew.
他的朋友三教九流全有.
来自《简明英汉词典》
3. The volunteers seem a motley crew.
志愿者里似乎什么人都有。
来自辞典例句
4. The motley company had increased to ten.
这群乌合之众已经增加到了十个人.
来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
5. The room was soon filled with a motley assemblage.
