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calamanco

American  
[kal-uh-mang-koh] / ˌkæl əˈmæŋ koʊ /
Or calimanco

noun

plural

calamancos
  1. a glossy woolen fabric checkered or brocaded in the warp so that the pattern shows on one side only, much used in the 18th century.

  2. a garment made from this fabric.


calamanco British  
/ ˌkæləˈmæŋkəʊ /

noun

  1. a glossy woollen fabric woven with a checked design that shows on one side only

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of calamanco

First recorded in 1585–95; of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His morning-gowns, of calamanco or damask, were always very clean.

From Autobiography: Truth and Fiction Relating to My Life by Oxenford, John

She was four years old, and he ordered for her, pack-thread stays, stiff coats of silk, masks, caps, bonnets, bibs, ruffles, necklaces, fans, silk and calamanco shoes, and leather pumps.

From Home Life in Colonial Days by Earle, Alice Morse

The habit of a Dapper, when he is at home, is a light broad-cloth, with calamanco or red waistcoat and breeches; and it is remarkable that their wigs seldom hide the collar of their coats.

From Isaac Bickerstaff, physician and astrologer by Steele, Richard, Sir

There the young ladies were taught dancing and music, for which, as well as for their frocks and "pink calamanco shoes," their fathers paid enormous sums in depreciated Continental currency.

From The Winning of the West, Volume 2 From the Alleghanies to the Mississippi, 1777-1783 by Roosevelt, Theodore

The lane was quite populous with waggons and hay-makers—the men in their corduroys and blue hose—the women in their trim jackets and bright calamanco petticoats.

From John Halifax, Gentleman by Craik, Dinah Maria Mulock