Plural of canton; divisions of territory, especially the semi-independent regions that make up Switzerland; divisions in heraldry.
From canton, ultimately from Italian cantone (corner, region), from Latin cantus. The plural form has been standard since Middle English cantons entered the language.
Switzerland's 26 cantons have mind-boggling autonomy—each sets its own tax rates, education systems, and laws. A Swiss person's canton identity often matters more than their national identity, creating Europe's most durable federalism.
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