Cadogan Square. From the Earl of Cadogan, the lord of the manor of Chelsea.
Cahoot. An Americanism for partnership or company, derived from the French capute, hut, cabin. Men who share a cabin or shanty are said to be “in cahoot.”
Caitiff. An old term of contempt for a despicable person, derived from the Latin captivis, a captive, slave.
Caius College. The name given to Gonville College, Cambridge, after its refoundation by Dr Caius by royal charter in 1558.
Cake Walk. A musical walking competition round a cake, very popular among the negroes of the southern states. The couple adjudged to walk most gracefully receive the cake as a prize.
Calcutta. From Kalikutta, “the village of Kali,” the goddess of time.
Caledonia. The country of the Caels or Gaels; Gadhel in the native tongue signified a “hidden cover.”
Caledonian Road. From the Royal Caledonian Asylum for Scottish orphans, now removed.
Calico. First brought from Calicut in the East Indies.
California. Called by Cortez Caliente Fornalla, or “hot furnace,” on account of its climate.