Medley

n. [O. Fr. meslee, medlee, mellee, N. Fr. mêlée. See supra.]

1Sense 1. A mixture; a mingled and confused mass of ingredients; a jumble; a hodge-podge; — used often or commonly with some degree of contempt.

This medley of philosophy and war. Addison.

Love is a medley of endearments, jars, suspicions, reconcilements, wars . . . then peace again. Walsh.

But there is a medley of bright images and glowing words set carelessly and loosely together. Jeffrey.

2Sense 2. (Mus.) A composition which consists of detached passages from several different compositions; a pot-pourri.

☞ Medley is usually applied to vocal, pot-pourri to instrumental compositions.

3Sense 3. A confused fight; a conflict; melee. [Obs.]