Defn: A piece; a fragment; a corner. Dryden.
CANTO Can"to, n.; pl. Cantos. Etym: [It. canto, fr. L. cantus singing, song. See Chant.]
1. One of the chief divisions of a long poem; a book.
2. (Mus.)
Defn: The highest vocal part; the air or melody in choral music; anciently the tenor, now the soprano. Canto fermo ( Etym: [It.] (Mus.), the plain ecclesiastical chant in cathedral service; the plain song.
CANTON
Can"ton, n.
Defn: A song or canto [Obs.]
Write loyal cantons of contemned love. Shak.
CANTON
Can"ton, n. Etym: [F. canton, augm. of OF. cant edge, corner. See 1st
Cant.]
1. A small portion; a division; a compartment. That little canton of land called the "English pale" Davies. 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.
2. A small community or clan.