E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Canister.
The head (pugilistic term). “To mill his canister” is to break his head. A “canister cap” is a covering for the head, whether hat or cap. A “canister” is a small coffer or box, and the head is the “canister” or coffer of man’s brains.
