Cordwainer: meaning, definitions and examples
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cordwainer
[ ˈkɔrdˌweɪnər ]
profession, shoemaking
A cordwainer is a skilled artisan who makes shoes and other leather goods. Historically, this term referred specifically to someone who worked with finely cured leather, differing from a cobbler, who repairs shoes. Cordwainers were significant in medieval times for creating custom footwear.
Synonyms
artisan, leatherworker, shoemaker
Examples of usage
- The cordwainer crafted a beautiful pair of leather boots.
- In medieval cities, cordwainers were respected for their detailed work.
- Her grandfather was a cordwainer who taught her the art of shoemaking.
Etymology
The term 'cordwainer' derives from the Old French word 'cordoanier' which means 'leather worker' and is related to 'cordovan', a type of high-quality leather made from goatskin, originally from Cordoba, Spain. The word entered the English language around the 15th century and has its roots in the Latin word 'corium', meaning 'hide' or 'skin'. Originally, cordwainers were distinguished from cobblers, who primarily repaired shoes, as they specialized in making new shoes and other leather products. The profession of cordwainers was significant in medieval Europe, where they contributed to the economy by producing fine footwear for the wealthy.