cant

cant · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Hypocritical or sanctimonious talk, especially about morals or religion.

  2. 2.

    To tilt or turn something at an angle.

  3. 3.

    The special vocabulary or jargon of a particular group.

  4. 4.

    To speak in a whining or hypocritical manner.

  5. 5.

    A slope or tilt; an oblique angle.

Forms

plural: cants

Related words

Antonyms: sincerity
See also: hypocrisy, jargon, slang
Synonyms: hypocrisy, jargon, slant

Etymology

Multiple origins: The "hypocritical speech" sense comes from Latin cantare meaning "to sing" (referring to the sing-song delivery of beggars). The "slope" sense comes from Middle Dutch cant meaning "edge, corner."