Cantonnement

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An arrangement or allocation of military troops or personnel in a specific location or strategic position
2. a system or structure for organizing units in a camp-like setting
3. the temporary stationing of forces to provide security or support in an area

Etymology: Soldiers who were only passing through once lodged in a corner of a region. The French "canton" meant a district or corner, and "cantonner" meant to divide land into such districts or to billet troops in one. Adding the "-ment" ending turned that action into its result: the quartering of troops, and the place where they were housed. Behind "canton" is the Italian "cantone," meaning a corner or a large stone, which French took in. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, though it is likely linked to a Germanic word for edge or corner. The original sense of a corner is still visible in the military meaning, since troops were posted to a particular district rather than moved freely across the country.

Synonyms: encampment, billeting