calipash

or cal·li·pash

[ kal-uh-pash, kal-uh-pash ]

noun

1. the part of a turtle next to the upper shield, consisting of a greenish gelatinous substance, considered a delicacy.

calipash

/ ˈkælɪˌpæʃ /

noun

1. the greenish glutinous edible part of the turtle found next to the upper shell, considered a delicacy

Word History and Origins

Origin of calipash¹

First recorded in 1680–90; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of calipash¹

C17: perhaps changed from Spanish carapacho carapace

Example Sentences

Within days, the scientists found the bacteria growing all over the turtles’ shells, limbs and necks, and in the calipash, the gelatinous green layer beneath the shell that is considered a delicacy in Asia.

From New York Times

We had turtle-soup and turtle-steak every day for breakfast and dinner, so that we became utterly weary of the rich food, and I do not think any of us wish to see calipash or calipee for a long time to come.

From Project Gutenberg

What would a city alderman say to this? would not his imagination revel in all the delights of calipash and calipee, and real turtle soup? not made of beef and calf’s head, with a few pieces of turtle floating in it, to stand its god-father, as a late gastronomic writer so aptly describes such soup as may be obtained at the “London Tavern,” or Cornhill, although that is reckoned very excellent in its way.

From Project Gutenberg

Turtle, tur′tl, n. any tortoise, but esp. the edible Green Turtle, prized for the soup made from its flesh, chief glory of aldermanic banquets—Calipash is the part of the animal that belongs to the upper shield, a fatty, gelatinous substance of a dull-greenish colour; Calipee, the yellowish meat of the lower shield.—v.t. to pursue turtles.—ns.

From Project Gutenberg

Sir Joshua, a few days ago, entertained the Council and Visitors with calipash and calipee, except poor Coates, who last week fell a sacrifice to the corroding power of soap-lees, which he hoped would have cured him of the stone: many a tear will drop on his grave, as he is not more lamented as an artist than a friend to the distressed.

From Project Gutenberg