What does "cartel" mean?
Cartel: 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.
Additional senses
- 2.To defy or challenge. [Obs.] You shall cartel him. B. Jonson.
Sources
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).
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- Published: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00 · Modified: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00