What is "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.]

   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.

2. A chest containing culinary and other vessels for military officers in a garrison.

3. The sutler's shop in a garrison.

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.

5. A temporary location where food is dispensed during an emergency.

Cantine is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:

• David Cantine (born 1939), Canadian painter
• John Cantine (1735–1808), American politician
• Moses I. Cantine (1774–1823), American politician