\Cord"wain\ (k?rd"w?n), n. [OE. cordewan, cordian, OF.
cordoan, cordouan, fr. Sp. cordoban. See {Cordovan}.]
A term used in the Middle Ages for Spanish leather (goatskin
tanned and dressed), and hence, any leather handsomely
finished, colored, gilded, or the like.
      Buskins he wore of costliest cordwain.   --Spenser.