Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CANAL', n. [L. canalis, a channel or kennel; these being the same word differently written; Fr. canal; Arm. can, or canol; Sp. and Port. canal; It. canale. See Cane. It denotes a passage, from shooting, or passing.]

1. A passage for water; a water course; properly, a long trench or excavation in the earth for conducting water, and confining it to narrow limits; but the term may be applied to other water courses. It is chiefly applied to artificial cuts or passages for water, used for transportation; whereas channel is applicable to a natural water course. The canal from the Hudson to Lake Erie, is one of the noblest works of art.
2. In anatomy, a duct or passage in the body of an animal, through which any of the juices flow, or other substances pass; as the neck of the bladder, and the alimentary canal.
3. A surgical instrument; a splint. – Coxe.