Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1813
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CANT, n.3 “A trick, a bad habit; an auld cant, an ancient, traditionary custom” (Abd. 1825 Jam.2). Known to Abd.2, Abd.9 1938.Abd. 1813 D. Anderson Poems 81:
While Superstition, holes peept thro', Made by nae mortal's han's' Gin they the authors o't could view Experiencing plans O' auld cants that night.
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"Cant n.3". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 17 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/cant_n3>
