Cartel \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. [Obs.]

He is cowed at the very idea of a cartel., --Sir W. Scott.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Cartel \Car"tel\, v. t. To defy or challenge. [Obs.]

You shall cartel him. --B. Jonson.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)