Cartel | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Cär-tēl' or Cär'tel, n.

noun

(Synop., § 130), n. [Fr., Sp., & Pg. cartel, It. cartello, L. Lat. cartellus, from Lat. charta, dim. chartula. See CARD, n.] (Mil.) (a.) A writing or agreement, between states at war, as for the exchange of prisoners. “A cartel for the exchange of prisoners had been a subject of negotiation.” Prescott. (b.) A letter of defiance or challenge; a challenge to single combat. [Obs.]

He is cowed at the very idea of a cartel, though it come from a fool and a swine-herd. W. Scott.

Cartel or cartel-ship

a ship employed in the exchange of prisoners, or in carrying propositions to an enemy; a ship of truce, which is privileged from capture. Blount. Tomlins.

Cär'tel, v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. To defy or challenge. [Obs.] “You shall cartel him.” B. Jonson.