n.; pl. Medleys [ OE. medlee, OF. meslée, medlée, mellée, F. mêlée. See Meddle, and cf. Melée, Mellay. ] 1. A mixture; a mingled and confused mass of ingredients, usually inharmonious; a jumble; a hodgepodge; -- often used contemptuously. [ 1913 Webster ] This medley of philosophy and war. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ] Love is a medley of endearments, jars,
Suspicions, reconcilements, wars. W. Walsh. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. The confusion of a hand to hand battle; a brisk, hand to hand engagement; a mêlée. [ Obs. ] Holland. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Mus.) A composition of passages detached from several different compositions; a potpourri. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ Medley is usually applied to vocal, potpourri to instrumental, compositions. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. A cloth of mixed colors. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ] | 