a Franciscan friar; one of the religious order founded by St Francis, a Gray friar. The Cordeliers wear a thick gray cloth, a little cowl, a chaperon, and a cloak, with a girdle of rope or cord tied with three knots; and hence the name. They are otherwise called Minor Friars, which was their original denomination. The name of Cordelier is said to have been first given them in the war of St Louis against the infidels, in which the Minor Friars repulsed the barbarians; and when the king inquired their name, it was answered, they were people cordeliers, or tied with ropes. The Cordeliers are professed Scotists.