in Fortification, a row of stones, made round on the outside, and set between the wall of the fortress which lies aloft, 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 stakes.

CORDUBA, in Ancient Geography, an illustrious city of Baetica, on the right or north side of the Ebro. Built by Marcellus, according to Strabo; but which Marcellus is not so clear. It was the first colony sent into those parts by the Romans; and named Patricia, because at first inhabited by principal men, both of the Romans and natives. It is mentioned by Silius Italicus in the second Punic war; and hence it is probable the first Marcellus was the founder, and not the Marcellus engaged in the civil war between Caesar and Pompey. It was famous for the birth of the two Senecas and of Lucan (Martial), and for its rich produce in oil (Statius, Martial). Still retaining its name a little altered. W. Long. 5. Lat. 37° 45'.