Med"ley (?), n.; pl. Medleys (#). [OE. medlee, OF. mesl'ee, medl'ee, mell'ee, F. mel'ee. See Meddle, and cf. Melee, Mellay.]
1.
A mixture; a mingled and confused mass of ingredients, usually inharmonious; a jumble; a hodgepodge; -- often used contemptuously.
This medley of philosophy and war.
Addison.
Love is a medley of endearments, jars,
Suspicions, reconcilements, wars.
W. Walsh.
2.
The confusion of a hand to hand battle; a brisk, hand to hand engagement; a mel'ee.
[Obs.]
Holland.
3. Mus.
A composition of passages detached from several different compositions; a potpourri.
⇒ Medley is usually applied to vocal, potpourri to instrumental, compositions.
4.
A cloth of mixed colors.
Fuller.
© Webster 1913.
Med"ley, a.
1.
Mixed; of mixed material or color.
[Obs.] "A
medle coat."
Chaucer.
2.
Mingled; confused.
Dryden.
© Webster 1913.