n.
Pronunciation: kan- ' t ē n
Function: noun
Etymology: French cantine bottle case, sutler's shop, from Italian cantina wine cellar, probably from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron tire ― more at CANT
Date: 1737
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