I. ˌkȯrdōⁿˈblœ̅; esp in senses 2 and 3 ˌkȯrd ə nˈblü or -(ˌ)dänˈ- noun
( plural cordon bleus -œ̅(z), -üz ; also cordons bleus “)
Etymology: French, literally, blue cordon
1. : the blue ribbon worn as a decoration by members of the old order of the Holy Ghost
2. : a person eminent for his rank or authority ; specifically : a cook of great skill
3. also cordon bleu finch : any of several African waxbills (genus Uraeginthus ) that have a clear bright blue breast and tail and drab back and underparts and that are often kept as cage birds
II. adjective
Usage: often capitalized C&B
1.
a. : of, relating to, or being a cook of great skill
b. : of, relating to, or being the food prepared by such a cook
2. : stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese
veal cordon bleu