from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cordelier \Cor`de*lier"\ (k[^o]r`d[-e]*l[=e]r"), n. [F., fr. OF.
cordel, F. cordeau, dim. fr. corde string, rope. See {Cord}.]
1. (Eccl. Hist.) A Franciscan; -- so called in France from
the girdle of knotted cord worn by all Franciscans.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Fr. Hist.) A member of a French political club of the
time of the first Revolution, of which Danton and Marat
were members, and which met in an old Cordelier convent in
Paris.
[1913 Webster]