Anglo-Ind. ? Obs. Also 8 kulgie. [a. Urdū kalghī, ad. Pers. kalagī, orig. kalakī, of or pertaining to a festive or martial gathering, whence as sb. in the following senses. (J. T. Platts.)]
† 1. A rich figured silk worn as a turban or sash, or otherwise, on a festive occasion; hence, a figured Indian silk formerly imported into England. Obs.
1688. Lond. Gaz., No. 2312/4. To carry 147 Pieces of Culgees, East-India Taffataes, or clouded Silks.
1696. J. F., Merchant’s Ware-ho., 6. There is two sorts of Indian Silk called Culgees, the one is Satten, the other is Taffety, they are stained with all sorts of colours … they are much used for Handkerchiefs, and for Lining of Beds, and for Gowns for both Men and Women.
17[?]. in J. Ashton, Soc. Life Reign Q. Anne (1882), I. 75. ‘Stole out of the house of John Barnes, &c., a Culgee quilt.’
2. ‘A jewelled plume surmounting the sirpesh (sarpēch) or aigrette upon the turban’ (Yule).
1715. in J. T. Wheeler, Madras in Olden Time (1861), II. 246 (Y.). A vest and culgee set with precious stones.
1786. Tippoo’s Lett., 263 (Y.). Three Kulgies, three Surpaishes … have been despatched to you in a casket.
1832. G. A. Herklots, trans. Customs Moosulmans India, App. x. Kulgee … a phœnix-feather … fixed into the turban, having generally a pearl fastened to the end of it. Worn only by kings and the great.
