| cant \KANT\ (noun) - 1 : The idioms and peculiarities of speech in any sect, class, or occupation. 2 : The use of religious phraseology without understanding or sincerity. 3 : Empty, solemn speech, implying what is not felt; insincere talk; hypocrisy. 4 : A whining manner of speaking, especially of beggars.
"He could, said he, talk their cant from his time sealing and knew something of their ways." -- Richard Flanagan, 'Gould's Book of Fish: A Novel in Twelve Fish'
Cant ultimately derives from Latin cantus, singing, chanting. |
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