[Fr.: a. Pg. calaim, a. Arab. qalasī; the ultimate derivation is disputed. See Calay in Yule.] ‘The tin of Siam and Malacca, of which the Chinese make tea-caddies, etc.,’ by some said to be an alloy of lead and tin.
1752. Beawes, Lex Mercat. Rediv., 817. A mixed Metal called Calin.
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., Calin, the name of a sort of mixt metal, seeming composed of lead and tin. It is prepared by the Chinese, and they make several utensils of it, as tea-canisters, coffee-pots, and the like.
1847. in Craig; and in mod. Dicts.
