Re*cant" (rē*kănt"), 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.
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.