Med″ley (?), 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.
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 mêlée. 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.