n. [ F. canal, from L. canalis canal, channel; prob. from a root signifying “to cut”; cf. D. kanaal, fr. the French. Cf. Channel, Kennel gutter. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
1. An artificial channel filled with water and designed for navigation, or for irrigating land, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Anat.) A tube or duct; as, the alimentary canal; the semicircular canals of the ear. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. A long and relatively narrow arm of the sea, approximately uniform in width; -- used chiefly in proper names; as, Portland Canal; Lynn Canal. [ Alaska ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]
Canal boat, a boat for use on a canal; esp. one of peculiar shape, carrying freight, and drawn by horses walking on the towpath beside the canal. --
Canal lock. See Lock. [ 1913 Webster ]