canton etymology

Etymology:

The word "canton" originates from the Old French term "canton," which itself derives from the Latin word "cantus," meaning "corner" or "angle."

Meaning and Origin:

In Geography:

  • A canton refers to a territorial division within a country or province. It is typically a subdivision of a larger unit, such as a county or state. Cantons are often defined by geographical features, such as mountain ranges, rivers, or borders.
  • In Switzerland, cantons are the 26 semi-autonomous states that make up the country. They have their own constitutions, governments, and laws.
  • In France, cantons are administrative subdivisions of arrondissements (districts) and are used for the organization of elections and local administration.

In History:

  • In ancient Rome, a "cantus" referred to a section of land assigned to a particular military unit.
  • During the Middle Ages, cantons were used to describe small territorial entities or administrative units within larger regions.
  • In Switzerland, the current cantonal system was established in 1848 as a result of the Swiss Civil War.

Other Uses:

  • In heraldry, a "canton" is a small square or rectangle placed in one of the corners of a shield.
  • In typography, a "canton" refers to a small square or diamond used to indicate a note or footnote in a text.

canton relate terms

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