Obs. or dial. Also Calis-, Calice-, etc. [f. Callis, Calleis, Callice, Calice, etc. 16th-c. forms of the namie Calais, noted for its sand-dunes; the sands of Calais are frequently referred to in the 17th c. as a place for duels: see quots. in Nares.] A fine white sand, originally imported from Calais, used for blotting ink, scouring, etc.
1594. Plat, Jewell-ho., II. 32. Take of right callis sand, and wash the same.
1659. Hoole, Comenius’ Vis. World (1777), 116. We dry a writing with blotting-paper, or calis-sand out of a sand-box.
1704. Worlidge, Dict. Rust. et Urb., s.v. Sand, Calice-sand, burns reddish, but falls not in Water.
1877. E. Peacock, N. W. Lincoln. Gloss. (E. D. S.), Callis-sand, white scouring sand.
