a religious order, founded in the year 1080, by one Brudo. The Carthusians, so called from the desert of Chartreuse, the place of their institution, are remarkable for the austerity of their rule. They are not to go out of their cells, except to church, without leave of their superior, nor speak to any person without leave. They must not keep any portion of their meat or drink till next day; their beds are of straw, covered with a felt; their clothing two hair-cloths, two cowls, two pair of hose, and a cloak, all coarse. In the refectory, they are to keep their eyes on the dish, their hands on the table, their attention on the reader, and their hearts fixed on God. Women are not allowed to come into their churches. It is computed that there are 172 houses of Carthusians; whereof five are of nuns, who practice the same austerities as the monks. They are divided into 16 provinces, each of which has two visitors. There have been several canonized saints of this order, four cardinals, 70 archbishops and bishops, and a great many very learned writers.

CARTHUSIAN Powder, the same with kermes mineral. See KERME.