DCHP-1 Online
calico ball Obs. 
a type of charity ball.
- 1865 The evening was ended at a "calico" ball for the benefit of the poor of [Montreal], which was attended by the townspeople only, the ladies being dressed in calico, which was afterwards, I believe, with receipts, distributed to the indigent.
- 1897 The calico ball given at the Commercial Hotel on Monday evening . . . was a grand success socially and financially.
- 1865 The evening was ended at a "calico" ball for the benefit of the poor of [Montreal], which was attended by the townspeople only, the ladies being dressed in calico, which was afterwards, I believe, with receipts, distributed to the indigent.