Pl. cardines. [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.
1652. 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. 31/2.
1789. G. White, Selborne (1853), III. 19. The cardo passing for a head and mouth.
1877. Huxley, Anat. Inv. Anim., vii. 429. The cardines are long and slender.
