[kahr-toosh] 
| 1. | Architecture. a rounded, convex surface, usually surrounded with carved ornamental scrollwork, for receiving a painted or low-relief decoration, as an escutcheon. |
| 2. | an oval or oblong figure, as on ancient Egyptian monuments, enclosing characters that represent the name of a sovereign. |
| 3. | the case containing the inflammable materials in certain fireworks. |
| 4. | cartridge (def. 1). |
| 5. | a box for cartridges. |
| car·touche or car·touch (kär-tōōsh') n.
[French, from Italian cartoccio, paper cornet, from carta, card, paper; see carton.] |