Re*cant" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Recanted; p. pr. & vb. n. Recanting.] [L. recantare, recantatum, to recall, recant; pref. re- re- + cantare to sing, to sound. See 3d Cant, Chant.]
To withdraw or repudiate formally and publicly (opinions formerly expressed); to contradict, as a former declaration; to take back openly; to retract; to recall.
How soon . . . ease would recant
Vows made in pain, as violent and void!
Milton.
Syn. -- To retract; recall; revoke; abjure; disown; disavow. See Renounce.
© Webster 1913.
Re*cant", v. i.
To revoke a declaration or proposition; to unsay what has been said; to retract; as, convince me that I am wrong, and I will recant.
Dryden.
© Webster 1913.