Definitions

1. noun

a former name for China

“The ancient Silk Road connected Europe to the Cathay of the Middle Ages.”

2. noun

a former name for the Manchu-led Qing dynasty in China

“The ruling family of the Cathay had a long and tumultuous history in Chinese politics.”

3. proper noun

a former name for the Chinese Empire

“Marco Polo wrote extensively about his travels to the Cathay during the 13th century.”