Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CAR'TEL, n. [It. cartello; Fr. Sp. and Port. cartel; from L. chartula.]

1. A writing or agreement between states at war, for the exchange of prisoners, or for some mutual advantage; also, a vessel employed to convey the messenger on this occasion.
2. A letter of defiance or challenge; a challenge to single combat. This sense the word has still in France and Italy, but with us it is obsolete. Cartel-ship, is a ship employed in the exchange of prisoners, or in carrying propositions to an enemy.