Canister (kăn&ibreve_;st&etilde_;r), n. [L. canistrum a basket woven from reeds Gr. &unr_;, fr. kanh, kanna reed; cf. F. canistre. See Cane, and Canaster.] 1. A small basket of rushes, reeds, or willow twigs, etc.
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2. A small box or case for holding tea, coffee, etc.
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3. (Mil.) 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.
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