Meaning
A coarse cotton fabric commonly used to make trousers and uniforms.
Etymology
Origin: Spanish
A term used by American veterans of the Spanish-American war. It is theorized that the cloth or the trousers were made in China. The American Heritage Dictionary says that the word is from American Spanish chino, literally "toasted", in reference to its usual color. But this is not a usual meaning of the Spanish word.
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 6 recorded puzzles: