calash

[ kuh-lash ]

noun

1. Also a light vehicle pulled by one or two horses, seating two to four passengers, and having two or four wheels, a seat for a driver on a splashboard, and sometimes a folding top.
2. a folding top of a carriage.
3. calèche ( def 1 ).
4. a bonnet that folds back like the top of a calash, worn by women in the 18th century.

calash

/ kəˈlæʃ /

noun

1. a horse-drawn carriage with low wheels and a folding top
2. the folding top of such a carriage
3. a woman's folding hooped hood worn in the 18th century

Word History and Origins

Origin of calash¹

1660–70; < French calèche < German Kalesche < Czech kolesa carriage, literally, wheels; wheel

Word History and Origins

Origin of calash¹

C17: from French calèche, from German Kalesche, from Czech kolesa wheels

Example Sentences

He commanded him somewhat sharply to let it alone, and he himself stowed it safely within the calash.

From Project Gutenberg

He scoured the neighbourhood round St Petersburg in a calash at a cost of about four pounds.

From Project Gutenberg

"The calash is his," returned the other, shaking his head and walking quietly away from the stand.

From Project Gutenberg

I would rather have won this calash than have obtained fifty new suits of sails for the Scud!

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps you will be disposed to sell that calash, Mabel, when it has been a short time in your possession?

From Project Gutenberg