What the heck is a “motley crew,” except an old band (Crue)? Today’s lesson, Children, is about where this familiar phrase came from (sorry…the language-loving teacher in me breaks out once in awhile). It refers, of course, to a group of misbehaving ne’er-do-wells. That’s today. In the sixteenth century the costumes worn by court jesters were made from a cloth called “motley.” Soon most stage performers adopted this style, with its many colors in a patchwork-design. It became such a distinguishing trademark for these people that groups of them became known as “motley crews.” So, next time you want to frolic and gambol across a stage, first dig out your motley and get your crew together.
