First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1cant
adjective \ˈkant\
Definition of CANT
dial EnglishADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CANT
Middle English, probably from Middle Low German *kant
2cant
verb
Definition of CANT
transitive verb
1
: to give a cant or oblique edge to : bevel
2
: to set at an angle : tilt
3
chiefly British : to throw with a lurch
intransitive verb
1
: to pitch to one side : lean
2
: slope
Origin of CANT
3cant
First Known Use: circa 1543
3cant
noun
Definition of CANT
2
: an external angle (as of a building)
3
: a log with one or more squared sides
4
a : an oblique or slanting surface b : inclination, slope
Origin of CANT
Middle English cant side, probably from Middle Dutch or Middle French dialect; Middle Dutch, edge, corner, from Middle French dialect (Picard), from Latin canthus, cantus iron tire, perhaps of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh cant rim; perhaps akin to Greek kanthos corner of the eye
First Known Use: 1603
4cant
adjective
5cant
verb
Definition of CANT
intransitive verb
1
: to talk or beg in a whining or singsong manner
2
: to speak in cant or jargon
3
: to talk hypocritically
Origin of CANT
perhaps from Middle French dialect (Norman-Picard) canter to tell, literally, to sing, from Latin cantare — more at chant
First Known Use: 1567
6cant
noun
Definition of CANT
1
: affected singsong or whining speech
2
a : the private language of the underworld b obsolete : the phraseology peculiar to a religious class or sect c : jargon 2
3
: a set or stock phrase
4
: the expression or repetition of conventional or trite opinions or sentiments; especially : the insincere use of pious words
First Known Use of CANT
1640
Other Language Terms
Cant
abbreviation
Medical Dictionary
cant
noun \ˈkant\
Medical Definition of CANT
: an oblique or slanting surface
Learn More About CANT
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up cant? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).