PATCHWORK
patchwork
(noun) sewing consisting of pieces of different materials sewn together in a pattern
patchwork, patchwork quilt
(noun) a quilt made by sewing patches of different materials together
patchwork, hodgepodge, jumble
(noun) a theory or argument made up of miscellaneous or incongruous ideas
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
patchwork (countable and uncountable, plural patchworks)
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.
Verb
patchwork (third-person singular simple present patchworks, present participle patchworking, simple past and past participle patchworked)
To create a patchwork from pieces of fabric.
To assemble from a variety of sources; to cobble together.
Source: Wiktionary
Patch"work`, n.
Definition: Work composed of pieces sewed together, esp. pieces of various
colors and figures; hence, anything put together of incongruous or
ill-adapted parts; something irregularly clumsily composed; a thing
putched up. Swift.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition