GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Canton (?), n. A song or canto [Obs.]
   
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   Write loyal cantons of contemned love. Shak.
   
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2.       
   Canton, n. [F. canton, augm. of OF. cant edge, corner. See 1st Cant.]
   1. A small portion; a division; a compartment.
   
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   That little canton of land called the “English pale” Davies.
   
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   There is another piece of Holbein's, . . . in which, in six several cantons, the several parts of our Savior's passion are represented. Bp. Burnet.
   
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   2. A small community or clan.
   
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   3. A small territorial district; esp. one of the twenty-two independent states which form the Swiss federal republic; in France, a subdivision of an arrondissement. See Arrondissement.
   
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   4. (Her.) A division of a shield occupying one third part of the chief, usually on the dexter side, formed by a perpendicular line from the top of the shield, meeting a horizontal line from the side.
   
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   The king gave us the arms of England to be borne in a canton in our arms. Evelyn.
   
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3.       
   Canton, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Cantoned ; p. pr. & vb. n. Cantoning.] [Cf. F.cantonner.]
   1. To divide into small parts or districts; to mark off or separate, as a distinct portion or division.
   
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   They canton out themselves a little Goshen in the intellectual world. Locke.
   
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   2. (Mil.) To allot separate quarters to, as to different parts or divisions of an army or body of troops.
   
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