plural of mess of pottage

(informal) To fiddle idly. / (informal) To joke, kid, or play. / (informal) To have a sexual relationship, especially one which is non-commital.

(military) A warm meal, usually cooked in a large pot, often similar to a stew or porridge; service of such a heated meal to soldiers.

(informal, chiefly US) A situation or object in a state of extreme disarray. / (informal, chiefly US) A disheveled or unbalanced person, particularly one who is nevertheless, or therefore, attractive.

(transitive) To make a mess of; to untidy, disorder, soil, or muss. / (transitive) To cause a problem with; to introduce an error or mistake in; to make muddled or confused; spoil; ruin.

(US) A military dining room or building on an army or marine base.

simple past tense and past participle of mess up

In disorder. / (colloquial) Intoxicated, drunk. / (colloquial) Morally reprehensible; clearly and grossly objectionable. / (colloquial) Damaged.

plural of mess kit

A compact set of eating utensils (including plate, cup, utensils) and sometimes cooking pots etc, used in the field by soldiers and by campers.