As a resource for words like this, it is difficult to beat Hobson-Jobson which not only provides a meaning and derivation but also historical occurrences. Thus we have:
CABAYA , s. This word, though of Asiatic origin, was perhaps introduced into India by the Portuguese, whose writers of the 16th century apply it to the surcoat or long tunic of muslin, which is one of the most common native garments of the better classes in India. The word seems to be one of those which the Portuguese had received in older times from the Arabic (ḳabā, 'a vesture'). From Dozy's remarks this would seem in Barbary to take the form ḳabāya. Whether from Arabic or from Portuguese, the word has been introduced into the Malay countries, and is in common use in Java for the light cotton surcoat worn by Europeans, both ladies and gentlemen, in dishabille. The word is not now used in India Proper, unless by the Portuguese. But it has become familiar in Dutch, from its use in Java. [Mr. Gray, in his notes to Pyrard (i. 372), thinks that the word was introduced before the time of the Portuguese, and remarks that kabaya in Ceylon means a coat or jacket worn by a European or native.] Then there are numerous occurrences listed from as early as 1540. Hobson-Jobson is a fascinating read – the word boutique, for example, is derived from the butica of Goa. The book is available online at a Univ. of Chicago site courtesy of the US Dep. of Education. Go to http://dsal.uchicago.edu/dictionaries/hobsonjobson/ Of course there is also the two volume Glossario Luso-Asiatico by Sebastiao Rodolfo Dalgado. 1919. For availability see http://www.alibris.com/search/books/qwork/-812060427/used/Glossario%20Luso-Asiatico%202%20Vols -----Original Message----- From: Carvalho Could it possibly have been a Muslim influence that led Goan men to adopt a cabaia? Would appreciate your input on this.
