Forms: 7 calla-, challapee, 7–9 calapee, 8 callepy, 8– calli-, calipee. [See prec.; not found in any other European lang.]
1. † a. The lower shell or plastron of the turtle. (obs.) b. That part next the lower shell, containing a light yellowish gelatinous substance.
1657. R. Ligon, Barbadoes (1673), 36. Lifting up his [a Turtle’s] belly, which we call his Calipee, we lay open all his bowels.
1679. Trapham, Jamaica, in Sir T. P. Blount, Nat. Hist. (1693), 354. The Callapee, viz. the Belly-part so called, baked, is an excellent Dish.
1689. [see CALIPASH].
1699. Dampier, Voy., I. 102. The Challapee, or Belly [of a tortoise].
1769. Mrs. Raffald, Eng. Housekpr. (1778), 15. Cut off the bottom shell, then cut off the meat that grows to it, (which is the callepy or fowl).
1829. Marryat, F. Mildmay, xviii. Turtle lying on their backs, and displaying their rich calapee. [see prec.]
† 2. A kind of turtle. ? Obs.
1794. Stedman, Surinam (1813), I. i. 16. The turtles are divided into two species, and are generally distinguished in Surinam by the names of calapee or green turtle, and carett.
