canton

n. a small administrative area or state within a country, especially in Switzerland.

n. a subnational administrative division of a country, most notably one of the twenty-six states of the Swiss Confederation.

“Switzerland is divided into twenty-six cantons, each with its own local government.”

“The federal government of Switzerland shares power with the individual cantons, which maintain significant autonomy over education and policing.”

n. the top-left corner of a flag, where a special design is often placed.

n. the upper-left quadrant of a flag, typically used to display a secondary emblem or national symbol.

“The fifty stars on the American flag are located in the blue canton.”

“In vexillology, the canton is considered the most prestigious position on the flag's field for displaying an emblem of higher authority.”

Technical

v. to provide housing for soldiers in a specific area.

v. to assign soldiers to quarters, especially when requisitioning civilian housing.

“The general decided to canton the troops in the nearby village for the winter.”

“During the Napoleonic Wars, the army was frequently cantoned across several small towns to ease the burden on local food supplies.”

Formal

n. a small square in the top corner of a shield in a coat of arms.

n. a square division of a shield, occupying approximately one-third of the chief, usually on the dexter side.

“The knight's shield featured a red lion in the golden canton.”

“The heraldic achievement was modified by adding a canton of augmentation to signify the family's service to the crown.”

Technical