Christian Cyclopedia

(Fr. cordelle, “small cord or rope”). 1. Franciscan monks est. 1217 in Fr. by Philip II (Philip Augustus; 1165–1223; king 1180–1223); Louis IX (St. Louis; 1214–70; king 1226–70) gave them custody of the Holy Land. 2. Friars Minor (Observants) who followed the rule of Paulet of Foligno (d. 1390). The name is still used in Fr.speaking regions of Switz. 3. Fr. name for Cordigeri, founded 1585 by Sixtus V (Felice Peretti; 1521–90: pope 1585–90); so-called from girdle worn as sign of penance (see Lk 12:35). 4. Order of noble ladies (Cordelières) est. ca. 1498 by Queen Anne de Bretagne (1477–1514). 5. Pol. club founded 1790; active in 1st Fr. Revolution; met in old Franciscan convent in Paris.