WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Can*teen"
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [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.)
Definition : 1. A vessel used by soldiers for carrying water, liquor, or other drink. [Written also cantine..]

Note: In the English service the canteen is made of wood and holds three pints; in the United States it is usually a tin flask.

2. The sulter's shop in a garrison; also, a chest containing culinary and other vessels for officers.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913