cant

cant

cant¹ [kant]

n.

[< L cantus: see CHANT]

1. whining, singsong speech, esp. as used by beggars

2. the secret slang of beggars, thieves, etc.; argot

3. the special words and phrases used by those in a certain sect, occupation, etc.; jargon

4. insincere or almost meaningless talk used merely from convention or habit

5. religious phraseology used hypocritically; insincere, pious talk

vi.

[< CANT¹ the n.]

to use cant; speak in cant

adj.

of, or having the nature of, cant

SYN.- DIALECT

canter

n.

cant² [kant]

n.

[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]

1. a corner or outside angle, as of a building

2. a sloping or slanting surface; beveled edge

3. a sudden movement, toss, or pitch that causes tilting, turning, or overturning

4. the tilt, turn, or slant thus caused

vt.

1. to give a sloping edge to; bevel

2. to tilt or overturn

3. to throw off or out by tilting

4. to throw with a jerk; pitch; toss

vi.

1. to tilt or turn over

2. to slant

adj.

1. with canted sides or corners

2. slanting

cant³ [känt]

adj.

[ME, bold, brave; prob. < or akin to MDu kant] [Brit. Dial.] lusty; bold; hearty