From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Recant \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.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Recant \Re*cant"\ (r[-e]*k[a^]nt"), 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.
[1913 Webster]
How soon . . . ease would recant
Vows made in pain, as violent and void! --Milton.
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Syn: To retract; recall; revoke; abjure; disown; disavow. See
Renounce.
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