Can*teen" (?), 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 vessel used by soldiers for carrying water, liquor, or other drink.
[Written also
cantine..]
⇒ 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.
© Webster 1913.