canteen


can·teen

noun \kan-ˈtēn\

Definition of CANTEEN

1
a : a portable chest with compartments for carrying bottles or for cooking and eating utensils b : a flask for carrying liquids (as on a hike) c : mess kit d British : a chest for storing flatware
2
a : a bar at a military post or camp b : a general store at a military post : exchange c : an establishment that serves as an informal social club (as for soldiers or a community's teenagers) d : a small cafeteria or snack bar

Origin of CANTEEN

French cantine bottle case, sutler's shop, from Italian cantina wine cellar, probably from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron tire — more at cant
First Known Use: 1737

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