Cordovan

[ kawr-duh-vuhn ]

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Córdoba, Spain.
2. (lowercase) a soft, smooth leather originally made at Córdoba of goatskin but later made also of split horsehide, pigskin, etc.

adjective

1. of Córdoba, Spain.
2. (lowercase) designating or made of cordovan.

cordovan

¹

/ ˈkɔːdəvən /

noun

1. a fine leather now made principally from horsehide, isolated from the skin layers above and below it and tanned

Cordovan

²

/ ˈkɔːdəvən /

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Córdoba, Spain

adjective

1. of or relating to Córdoba, Spain

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cordovan¹

First recorded in 1585–95; Cordov(a) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cordovan¹

C16: from Spanish cordobán (n), from cordobán (adj) of Córdoba ¹

Example Sentences

Weddings in which the majority of people can avoid a hotel stay or air travel will have fewer guest list disruptions, Cordovan said, but there are also benefits to locally sourcing attire, food and entertainment.

From Washington Post

His suit, she could see, was expensive, fine silver thread running through the wool, and his shoes were, too: cordovan with tassels and smooth leather soles.

From Literature

On this day, Drollinger’s size-17 feet were clad in Allen Edmonds shoes made of black cordovan, a leather that, Drollinger says, more than justifies its high price with outstanding durability.

From New York Times

A close-cut suit and cordovan lace-ups when appropriate.

From New York Times

Under some road maps in the glove compartment, Ben retrieved a rusty can of cordovan polish and a thin silken handkerchief spotted with dried circles of polish.

From Literature