This section is from the book "The Home Cyclopedia Of General Information", by Charles Morris. Also available from Amazon: Home Cyclopedia of Necessary Knowledge.
[F. cantine, bottle case.] A refreshment house in a fort or barracks for the use of soldiers, where they can purchase food and other necessaries, and intoxicating liquors under certain restrictions. A vessel, usually of tin, used by soldiers, in carrying water or other liquids.
 
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