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