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. ] [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A chest containing culinary and other vessels for military officers in a garrison. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. The sutler's shop in a garrison. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ PJC ] 5. A temporary location where food is dispensed during an emergency. [ PJC ] | 