\Re*cant"\, 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.
      How soon . . . ease would recant Vows made in pain, as
      violent and void!                        --Milton.
Syn: To retract; recall; revoke; abjure; disown; disavow. See
     {Renounce}.

\Re*cant"\, v. i.
To revoke a declaration or proposition; to unsay what has
been said; to retract; as, convince me that I am wrong, and I
will recant. --Dryden.