‖ cardo
(ˈkɑːrdəʊ)
Pl. cardines (ˈkɑːdɪniːz).
[L. cardo hinge; adopted in some special senses.]
† 1. Astrol. in pl. = cardinal points. Obs.
| 1571 Digges Pantom. i. xxix. I iij, The foure cardines or quarters of the Horizon. a 1625 Fletcher Rollo iv. ii, How are the cardines? 1660 H. More Myst. Godl. vii. xv. 341 Starres and Planets do most potently act in the Cardines of the Celestiall Theme, of which Imum Cœli is one. |
† 2. fig. A ‘hinge’, turning-point. Obs.
| a 1638 Mede Wks. i. xxvi. (1672) 109 The main Cardo and hinge of Repentance. 1657 S. Colvil Whig's Supplic. (1695) 89 This is the Cardo of the Dispute. |
3. Conch. The hinge of a bivalve shell.
| 1755 Gentl. Mag. XXV. 31. 1789 G. White Selborne (1853) III. 19 The cardo passing for a head and mouth. 1877 Huxley Anat. Inv. An. vii. 429 The cardines. |