from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Recant \Re*cant"\ (r[-e]*k[a^]nt"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Recanted}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Recanting}.] [L. recantare,
recantatum, to recall, recant; pref. re- re- + cantare to
sing, to sound. See 3d {Cant}, {Chant}.]
To withdraw or repudiate formally and publicly (opinions
formerly expressed); to contradict, as a former declaration;
to take back openly; to retract; to recall.
[1913 Webster]
How soon . . . ease would recant
Vows made in pain, as violent and void! --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: To retract; recall; revoke; abjure; disown; disavow. See
{Renounce}.
[1913 Webster]