noun.
Knowledge; skill; ability.
To put into a can; especially, to put into sealed metal cans or glass jars, for preservation, as prepared vegetables, fruits, and meats.
A frequent Middle English corruption of gan, began, preterit of ginnen, begin (see gin): often equivalent, with the infinitive of a principal verb, to the preterit of that verb.
A. As an independent verb.
To know; understand.
To know how to do; be able to do.
[So in early use the negative, to con unthank, to give no thanks.
To have ability; be able. Still so used in Scotch: as, I'll no can go.
B. As an auxiliary.
To be able; properly, to be able physically; hence, by extension, to be able mentally, morally, or legally; possess the qualities, qualifications, or resources necessary for the attainment of any end or the accomplishment of any purpose, the specific end or purpose being indicated by the verb to which can is auxiliary.
[Formerly used also in the infinitive.
May: noting merely permission; as, you can have it if you wish; can I speak to you a moment?
noun.
The catty or pound of Cochin China, equal to 1 pound 6 ounces avoirdupois.
noun.
A chimney-pot.
noun.
A vessel of small or moderate size and made of any material, but now generally of sheet-metal, such as tin, and used as a drinking-cup or to contain liquids, preserves, etc.
noun.
A measure of liquids in the Shetland islands, containing about an English gallon.
noun.
The revolving cylindrical holder into which the sliver falls from a carding-machine.
noun.
Cup and can. See cup.
noun.
An abbreviation of canon;
noun.
of canto;
noun.
of cantoris.