or CORDINERS, the term whereby the statutes denominate shoemakers. The word is formed from the French cordonnier, which Menage derives from cordouan, a kind of leather brought from Cordova, whereof they formerly made the upper-leathers of their shoes. Others derive it from cords, "rope," because anciently shoes were made of cords; as they still are in some parts of Spain, under the name of alpagaters. But the former etymology is better warranted: for, in effect, the French workmen who prepare the corduas are still called cordouaniers.

In Paris they have two pious societies under the titles of freres cordonniers, "brothers shoemakers," established by authority towards the middle of the 17th century; the one under the protection of St Crispin*, the other of St Crispianus, two saints who had formerly honoured the profession. They live in community, and under fixed statutes and officers; by which they are directed both in their spiritual and secular concerns. The produce of their shoes goes into a common stock, to furnish necessaries for their support; the rest to be distributed among the poor.