1
: the expression or repetition of conventional or trite opinions or sentiments
especially
: the insincere use of pious words
the cant of hypocrites
2
: a set or stock phrase
3
a
: the private language of the underworld
the cant of thieves
b
c
obsolete
: the phraseology peculiar to a religious class or sect
4
: affected singsong or whining speech
a beggar's cant
canted; canting; cants
1
: to talk hypocritically
canted about brotherly love
2
: to speak in cant or jargon
The thieves were canting among themselves.
3
: to talk or beg in a whining or singsong manner
bade me cant and whine in another place—Samuel Johnson
canted; canting; cants
1
a
: an oblique or slanting surface
the cant of a riverbank
b
: inclination, slope
the cant of a gun barrel
2
: an external angle (as of a building)
3
: a log with one or more squared sides
1
: having canted corners or sides
a cant molding
2
: inclined sense 2
a cant buttress
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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