Canterbury (the Durovernum of the Romans). A town in Kent, England. Its cathedral was sacked by the Danes, 1011, and burnt down, 1067; rebuilt, 1130; again burnt down, 1174, and again rebuilt. During the civil war in England, Cromwell’s dragoons used Canterbury Cathedral as a stable.
Cantinière (Fr.). Women who are authorized to establish themselves in the barracks or follow the troops in time of war, selling them liquors and provisions. The cantinières, whether attached to regiments or barracks, are selected from the wives of non-commissioned officers or privates, and wear a uniform. See [Vivandière].
Cantle. The hind-bow or protuberance of a saddle; also written cantel.
Canton. The only city in China with which Europeans were allowed to trade till the treaty of August 29, 1842. In 1856 a serious misunderstanding arose between Great Britain and China, on account of the Chinese having boarded the “Arrow,” a small vessel, lying in the Canton River, with a British colonial register. The Canton forts were taken, and Canton was bombarded by Sir Michael Seymour in 1856, and in the following year the Chinese fleet was entirely destroyed. In 1858 Canton was taken, and the forts at the mouth of the Pei-ho River were taken by the allied French and English forces.
Canton. One of the nine honorable ordinaries in heraldry. It occupies a corner of the shield either dexter or sinister, and is a third of the chief.
Cantonments. In the general operations of European armies are temporary resting-places. In cantonments the men are not under canvas, as in camps, but occupy during an armistice, or in intervals between active operations, adjacent towns and villages. In India cantonments are permanent places, being regular military towns, distinct and at some little distances from the principal cities.
Cantonné. In heraldry, when a cross is placed between four other objects it is said to be cantonné.
Canusium (now Canosa). An important and very ancient city of Apulia, in Italy. It was probably founded by the Greeks. Here a battle took place between the Carthaginians under Hannibal, and the Romans under Marcellus, 209 B.C.; it lasted two days; the first day the Carthaginians were victorious, but on the second day the Romans gained the victory after committing great havoc among their adversaries. It was captured by the Romans, 318 B.C.
Canvas. A coarse hempen or linen cloth which is extensively used in the form of tents, etc.
Cap-a-pie (Fr.). “Head to foot.” In military language of the Middle Ages, this term was applied to a knight or soldier armed at all points, with armor for defense and weapons for attack.