The Collaborative International Dictionary
Cartel ship
Cartel \Car*tel"\, n. [F., fr. LL. cartellus a little paper, dim. fr. L. charta. See 1st Card.]
(Mil.) An agreement between belligerents for the exchange of prisoners.
--Wilhelm.-
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.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.