Canteen /(kăn*tēn")/

Can·teen

Canteen

n.
  1. A small vessel used by soldiers or hikers for carrying water, liquor, or other drink. (Mil.)
  2. A chest containing culinary and other vessels for military officers in a garrison.
  3. The sutler's shop in a garrison.
  4. A store or small shop within a larger establishment where refreshments and sometimes other supplies are sold. At a military base the canteen may be as large as a general store; within a school or small company it may be only a small counter with very limited supplies, or a snack bar.
  5. A temporary location where food is dispensed during an emergency.