n. [ OE. cordewan, cordian, OF. cordoan, cordouan, fr. Sp. cordoban. See Cordovan. ] A term used in the Middle Ages for Spanish leather (goatskin tanned and dressed), and hence, any leather handsomely finished, colored, gilded, or the like. [ 1913 Webster ]

Buskins he wore of costliest cordwain. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ OE. cordwaner, cordiner, fr. OF. cordoanier, cordouanier, F. cordonnier. ] A worker in cordwain, or cordovan leather; a shoemaker. [ Archaic. ] [ 1913 Webster ]