Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Cordon
1.
A cord or ribbon bestowed or borne as a badge of honor; a broad ribbon, usually worn after the manner of a baldric, constituting a mark of a very high grade in an honorary order. Cf.
Grand cordon
. 2.
The cord worn by a Franciscan friar.
Sir E. Sandys.
3.
(Fort.)
The coping of the scarp wall, which projects beyong the face of the wall a few inches.
4.
(Mil.)
A line or series of sentinels, or of military posts, inclosing or guarding any place or thing.
5.
A rich and ornamental lace or string, used to secure a mantle in some costumes of state.
‖Cordon sanitaire
(k[GREEK]rˊd[GREEK]n′ s[GREEK]ˊn[GREEK]ˊt[GREEK]r′)
[F., sanitary cordon]
, a line of troops or military posts around a district infected with disease, to cut off communication, and thus prevent the disease from spreading. Also used figuratively, of a group of neutral states that forms a barrier between two hostile states.
Webster 1828 Edition
Cordon
CORDON
,Noun.
1.
In fortification, a row of stones jutting before the rampart, and the basis of the parapet; or a row of stones between the wall of a fortress which lies aslope, and the parapet which is perpendicular; serving as an ornament, and used only in fortifications of stone-work.2.
In military language, a line or series of military posts; as a cordon of troops.