subs. (general).—1. The head. [A transference of the original meaning, ‘a box or case for holding things.’] For synonyms, see CRUMPET.
1811. GROSE and CLARKE, Lexicon Balatronicum. To mill his CANNISTER; to break his head.
1821. W. T. MONCRIEFF, Tom and Jerry, Act ii., Sc. 4. Tom. I’ve nobb’d him on the CANISTER.
1885. Bell’s Life, Jan. 3, p. 8, col. 4. Once more did the star of Australia rise, but to set from additional raps on the CANISTER. He fell on his knees, and his head dropped on his breast.
2. (common).—A hat. [Formerly CANISTER-CAP (see sense 1); subsequently shortened to CANISTER.] For synonyms, see GOLGOTHA.
1887. G. D. ATKIN, House Scraps, 58. Turning round, I saw my unfortunate beaver, or ‘CANISTER,’ as it was called by the gentry who had it in their keeping, bounding backwards and forwards.
