Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Recant \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}.