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.
4. (Her.)
Defn: 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. The king gave us the arms of England to be borne in a canton in our arms. Evelyn.
CANTON
Can"ton, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Cantoned ; p. pr. & vb. n. Cantoning.]
Etym: [Cf. F.cantonner.]
1. To divide into small parts or districts; to mark off or separate, as a distinct portion or division. They canton out themselves a little Goshen in the intellectual world. Locke.
2. (Mil.)
Defn: To allot separate quarters to, as to different parts or divisions of an army or body of troops.
CANTONAL
Can"ton*al, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to a canton or cantons; of the nature of a canton.
CANTON CRAPE
Can"ton crape".