I. ˈkərd. ə l noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French courtault, courtaud, horse with its ears and mane cut short, from courtault, courtaud, adjective
1. obsolete : a short-barreled cannon
2. archaic : an animal with a docked tail
3. obsolete : a short-coated rogue
4.
a. : a tenor or bass musical instrument of the shawm or oboe type — called also dulcian
b. : an organ stop imitating the tone of this instrument — compare dulciana
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle French courtault, courtaud, from court short, from Latin curtus shortened — more at shear
1. obsolete : having a docked tail
2. obsolete : made or being short : curtailed, curt , brief
3. archaic : wearing a short frock