Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Recant

Recant (re*kant") , transitive verb

[Latin 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

Recant , intransitive verb

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