Canal (?), n. [F. canal, from L. canalis canal, channel; prob. from a root signifying “to cut”; cf. D. kanaal, fr. the French. Cf. Channel, Kennel gutter.]
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1. An artificial channel filled with water and designed for navigation, or for irrigating land, etc.
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2. (Anat.) A tube or duct; as, the alimentary canal; the semicircular canals of the ear.
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3. A long and relatively narrow arm of the sea, approximately uniform in width; -- used chiefly in proper names; as, Portland Canal; Lynn Canal. [Alaska]
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]

Canal boat, a boat for use on a canal; esp. one of peculiar shape, carrying freight, and drawn by horses walking on the towpath beside the canal. -- Canal lock. See Lock.
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