n. & v.
n. 1 a a subdivision of a country. b a State of the Swiss confederation. 2 Heraldry a square division, less than a quarter, in the upper (usu. dexter) corner of a shield.
v.tr. 1 put (troops) into quarters. 2 divide into cantons. cantonal adj.
[ OF, = corner (see CANT(2)): (v.) also partly f. F cantonner ]