1719, plural of chint (1610s), from Hindi chint, from Sanskrit chitra-s "clear, bright" (cf. cheetah). The plural (the more common form of the word in commercial use) became regarded as singular by late 18c., and for unknown reason shifted -s to -z; perhaps after quartz. Disparaging sense, from the commonness of the fabric, is first recorded 1851 in George Eliot (in chintzy).
plainwoven, printed or solid-colour, glazed cotton fabric, frequently a highly glazed printed calico. Originally "chintz" (from the Hindi word meaning "spotted") was stained or painted calico produced in India. The modern fabric is commonly made in several colours on a light ground and used for decorative (see ) and apparel purposes. Unglazed chintz is known as cretonne.