an arrondissement in the island of Corsica, 1254 square miles in extent. It is divided into 15 cantons and 182 communes, containing 44,704 inhabitants. The capital, a city of the same name, is situated in the centre of the island, on the river Tavignano. It is defended by a strong fortress. Paoli founded a university in the year 1785. The inhabitants are 2092. Long. S. 50° E. Lat. 42° 12' N.

CORTES OF SPAIN, a term purely Spanish, literally signifying the courts, and applied to the states, or assembly of the states, of the kingdom.