_Derivation of the Word "Callis," an Almshouse._--The word is not given
in Bailey or Richardson. It appears in Holloway's and Halliwell's
_Provincial Dictionaries_ in the plural, and is spelt "calasses." Each
quotes Grose, who refers the word to the _Gentleman's Magazine_ for May,
1784; but there the above question only is asked, and is unanswered. It
has been suggested that the callis may be so called from its having been
founded by some merchant of the Staple of Calais, or from its endowment
being derived from donations to the chalice, made by persons to the
priest administering extreme unction. _Calis_ was the old form of
_chalice_.--Vide Halliwell's _Dictionary_.