(ˈ) kan.|tēn, -kaa- noun
( -s )
Etymology: French cantine bottle case, canteen (the shop), from Italian cantina wine cellar, from canto corner, from Latin cantus iron ring round a carriage wheel — more at cant (angle)
1.
a. : a sutler's shop connected with a military post for supplying to enlisted men extra provisions, tobacco, or liquors
b. : post exchange — formerly used as the official designation
c. chiefly Britain : a restaurant or refreshment bar provided by an industrial or commercial concern for employees (as in an office building)
d. : a place of refreshment and recreation maintained by civilians for servicemen
e. : a temporary or mobile restaurant
canteens were set up in the flooded areas
2.
a. : a partitioned chest or box for holding cutlery
b. : a soldier's mess kit
3. : a flask typically cloth-jacketed for carrying water or other liquids (as by soldiers or campers)