Car‐tel″ (?), n. [F., fr. LL. cartellus a little paper, dim. fr. L. charta. See 1st Card.]
1. (Mil.) An agreement between belligerents for the exchange of prisoners. Wilhelm.
2. A letter of defiance or challenge; a challenge to single combat.
He is cowed at the very idea of a cartel.,
Sir W. Scott.
Cartel, or Cartel ship, a ship employed in the exchange of prisoners, or in carrying propositions to an enemy; a ship beating a flag of truce and privileged from capture.