Definition of: cartel

(kär·tel′, kär′təl) noun
1. A written official agreement between governments, especially when at war, as for the exchange of prisoners.
2. A written challenge to single combat.
3. An international combination of independent enterprises in the same branch of production, aiming at a monopolistic control of the market by means of weakening or eliminating competition. Compare MONOPOLY, SYNDICATE, TRUST.
4. An agreement among states to maintain mutually beneficial customs rates or otherwise act as a unit for a common purpose. See ANSCHLUSS. [<F <Ital. cartello, dim. of carta paper]