cordwain

1 definition found

cordwain - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Cordwain \Cord"wain\ (k?rd"w?n), n. [OE. cordewan, cordian, OF.
     cordoan, cordouan, fr. Sp. cordoban. See Cordovan.]
     A term used in the Middle Ages for Spanish leather (goatskin
     tanned and dressed), and hence, any leather handsomely
     finished, colored, gilded, or the like.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Buskins he wore of costliest cordwain.   --Spenser.
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