CORDON, in Fortification, a row of stones, made round on the outside, and set between the wall of the fortress which lies alone, 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 fortifications of stone-work; for in those made with earth the void space is filled up with pointed flares.