CORDON, in fortification, a row of stones, made round on the outside, and set between the wall of the fortrefs which lies aloof, and the parapet which stands perpendicular, after such a manner, that this difference may not be offensive to the eye; whence the cordons serve only as an ornament, ranging round about the place, being only used in fortification of stone-work. For in those made with earth, the void space is filled up with pointed stakes.