calash Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a woman's large folded hooped hood; worn in the 18th century
    caleche.
  2. noun the folding hood of a horse-drawn carriage
    calash top; caleche.

WordNet

Ca*lash" noun
Etymology
F. calèche; of Slavonic origin; cf. Bohem. kolesa, Russ. koliaska calash, koleso, kolo, wheel.
Definitions
  1. A light carriage with low wheels, having a top or hood that can be raised or lowered, seats for inside, a separate seat for the driver, and often a movable front, so that it can be used as either an open or a close carriage.
    The baroness in a calash capable of holding herself, her two children, and her servants. W. Irving.
  2. In Canada, a two-wheeled, one-seated vehicle, with a calash top, and the driver's seat elevated in front.
  3. A hood or top of a carriage which can be thrown back at pleasure.
  4. A hood, formerly worn by ladies, which could be drawn forward or thrown back like the top of a carriage.

Webster 1913