Motley

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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 thought by the Oxford English Dictionary to be 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.

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.

[edit] See also

• Noted American trial attorney Ron Motley
• The music band Mötley Crüe
• The financial advisors Motley Fool
• The classic comic strip Motley's Crew
• Percy Harris, one of the influential Motley theatre designers and founder of Motley Theatre Design Course.
• Constance Baker Motley, Judge