'Canister' definitions:

Definition of 'canister'

noun

A metallic cylinder packed with shot and used as ammunition in a firearm [syn: case shot, canister, canister shot]

noun

Metal container for storing dry foods such as tea or flour [syn: canister, cannister, tin]

From: GCIDE

Canister \Can"is*ter\ (k[a^]n"[i^]s*t[~e]r), n. [L. canistrum a basket woven from reeds Gr. ?, fr. ka`nh, ka`nna reed; cf. F. canistre. See Cane, and Canaster.]
1. A small basket of rushes, reeds, or willow twigs, etc. [1913 Webster]
2. A small box or case for holding tea, coffee, etc. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]