- cantine
- Canteen Can*teen" (k[a^]n*t[=e]n"), n. [F. cantine bottle
case, canteen (cf. Sp. & It. cantina cellar, bottle case),
either contr. fr. It. canovettina, dim. of canova cellar, or,
more likely, fr. OF. cant. corner, It. & Sp. canto. See 1st
{Cant}.] (Mil.)
1. A small vessel used by soldiers or hikers for carrying
water, liquor, or other drink. [Written also {cantine}.]
[1913 Webster]
Note: In 1910 in the English service the canteen is made of wood and holds three pints; in the United States it is usually a tin flask. [1913 Webster]
2. A chest containing culinary and other vessels for military officers in a garrison. [1913 Webster]
3. The sutler's shop in a garrison. [1913 Webster]
4. Hence: A store or small shop within a larger establishment where refreshments and sometimes other supplies are sold. At a military base the canteen may be as large as a general store; within a school or small company it may be only a small counter with very limited supplies, or a snack bar. [PJC]
5. A temporary location where food is dispensed during an emergency. [PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.