patchwork

English

noun
Definitions
  • A work, such as a blanket, composed of many different colors and shapes, sewn together to make an interesting whole.
  • (figurative) Any kind of creation that utilizes many different aspects to create one whole piece.
  • (derogatory) A state of regulations whose constituents have an opaque scope of application because of their questionable delimitation with regard to each other.

Etymology

Compound from English patch (fool) + English work (made of specified material).

Origin

English

work

Gloss

made of specified material

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms