Cartel, n.
Etymology: [F., fr. LL. cartellus a little paper, dim. fr. L. charta. See 1st Card.]
1. (Mil.)
An agreement between belligerents for the exchange of prisoners. Wilhelm.
2. A letter of defiance or challenge; a challenge to single combat. [Obs.] He is cowed at the very idea of a cartel., Sir W. Scott. Cartel, or Cartel ship, a ship employed in the exchange of prisoners, or in carrying propositions to an enemy; a ship beating a flag of truce and privileged from capture.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Cartel, v. t.
To defy or challenge. [Obs.] You shall cartel him. B. Jonson.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for cartel; he lists it under contract.
Where he writes about it:
A cartel is a military agreement for the exchange of prisoners or the like. — from contract
Synonyms
Antonyms
none given