cant
cant (kant)
noun
- whining, singsong speech, esp. as used by beggars
- the secret slang of beggars, thieves, etc.; argot
- the special words and phrases used by those in a certain sect, occupation, etc.; jargon
- insincere or almost meaningless talk used merely from convention or habit
- religious phraseology used hypocritically; insincere, pious talk
Etymology: < L cantus: see chant
adjective
Related Forms:
- canter cant′er noun
cant (kant)
noun
- a corner or outside angle, as of a building
- a sloping or slanting surface; beveled edge
- a sudden movement, toss, or pitch that causes tilting, turning, or overturning
- the tilt, turn, or slant thus caused
Etymology: ME & OFr cant, corner, edge, angle < LL cantus < L, iron tire of a wheel < Celt, as in Brythonic cant, rim of a wheel, edge < IE base *kantho-, corner, bend
transitive verb
- to give a sloping edge to; bevel
- to tilt or overturn
- to throw off or out by tilting
- to throw with a jerk; pitch; toss
intransitive verb
- to tilt or turn over
- to slant
adjective
- with canted sides or corners
- slanting
cant (känt)
adjective
Etymology: ME, bold, brave; prob. < or akin to MDu kant
Cant
- Canticles
- Cantonese
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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