WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Can"is*ter
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. canistrum a basket woven from reeds Gr. canistre. See Cane, and Canaster.]
Definition : 1. A small basket of rushes, or wilow twigs, etc.

2. A small box or case for holding tea, coffee, etc.

3. (Mil.)

Defn: A kind of case shot for cannon, in which a number of lead or iron balls in layers are inclosed in a case fitting the gun; -- called also canister shot,
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913