The answer to Kalamancas

[Rosie]

I got this from Irene Platt at Tameside RSPCA interesting stuff:

To be honest our local vets use this name to describe dark torties, so we do as well. I just don't know where the name originates, I suspect the from this extract it was a type of cloth woven in Lancashire, but who knows?
Elizabeth Pynes, alias Pearson, Mary Holmes, theft : shoplifting.
The Proceedings of the Old Bailey Ref: t16920831-42
Trial Summary:
* Crime(s): theft : shoplifting,
* Punishment Type: whipping,
(Punishment details may be provided at the end of the trial.)
* Verdict: Part Guilty: theft under 1s,
* Other trials on 31 Aug 1692
* Name search for: Elizabeth Pynes, Mary Holmes,
* Crime Location: St. Martins in the Fields
* Associated Records...

Original Text:
Elizabeth Pynes, alias Pearson , and Mary Holmes , were Tryed for Shop lifting, in Robbing one William Beres Shop in St. Martins in the Fields, on the 11th of July, of 17 Yards of Kalamanca Stuff, value 10s. They came to the Shop to cheapen some Goods, and using their Art of Legerdemane, they slipt away the stuff, but being persued and stopt, it was found about them. Holmes confest it when first taken, and said it was but a small Felony, and she could not be hang'd for it; and they were not able to justifie their Credit; So they were both found Guilty to the value of 10 d.
[Whipping. See summary.]
from
http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/html_...T16920831.html

[dinahsmum]

It sounds a little like Calico doesn't it, which as well as a cloth is a type/colour of cat (or at least is in the US? Have you seen Wag the Dog? (great film) - they were desperate for a calico cat for their propoganda in that)
However, both calico and the cat which appeared on screen are cream, not white-free tortie

[Fran]

'tis very interesting! I also thought of Calico DM when I was reading about it..

[dinahsmum]

I've google calico cat and found lots of these

(excuse quality), so either my memory of the film is wrong or they didn't actually get a 'calico'.
So, that makes calico/kalamanca a bit closed. doesn't it.
(I think etymology is fascinating, especially in such a rich language as ours. No real need for a special word for a cat that happens to be black, ginger and white but, hey, we've got one. Bet the French haven't - it's a very poor langauge)

[smudgley]

http://www.texankitties.com/calico.htm

[alexgirl73]

Absolutely fascinating! Weird how word origins come about!