cant

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

cognate, collocation, homonym