n. [ F., fr. OF. cordel, F. cordeau, dim. fr. corde string, rope. See Cord. ] 1. (Eccl. Hist.) A Franciscan; -- so called in France from the girdle of knotted cord worn by all Franciscans. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Fr. Hist.) A member of a French political club of the time of the first Revolution, of which Danton and Marat were members, and which met in an old Cordelier convent in Paris. [ 1913 Webster ]