Calicoes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of fabric that is usually made from cotton
2. a term referring to cloth that features colorful prints or patterns
3. also describes a breed of domestic cats known for their multi-colored fur and distinctive patterns

Etymology: The term in question derives from "calico," originally referring to a type of cotton cloth. Its roots trace back to the city of Calicut (now Kozhikode) on the Malabar Coast of India, a major trading hub during the late medieval and early modern periods. European traders encountered this finely woven, printed cotton fabric there and brought it back to Europe, where it became highly prized for its quality and intricate patterns. The word entered English in the late 16th century, adopted from the Portuguese "calico," which itself was borrowed from the Tamil word "kālikai" or "calica," denoting this specific cotton cloth. Initially, "calico" described the unbleached, plain-woven cotton fabric. Over time, it came to signify cotton cloth with bright, often floral printed patterns, which became popular for clothing and household items. The plural form "calicoes" simply follows English conventions for pluralizing nouns borrowed from other languages. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the term was well established in English marketplaces and literature, often used to describe the affordable yet colorful fabric favored by many. The word reflects the global trade connections of the early modern era, linking Indian textile craftsmanship with European fashion and commerce. Thus, the plural form encapsulates both the material’s exotic origins and its integration into everyday life in English-speaking countries, where calicoes were produced and worn widely.

Synonyms: cotton fabric, print cloth, muslin, chintz