Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CANT, v.3 Sc. usages: 1. To work a boat with a pole, in a kind of punting manner (see quot.).s.Sc. 1885 W. Scrope Salmon Fishing 249:
No one can make use of it in this way who has not learnt to work it with a pole,—which art is termed canting, and is, I believe, little understood exeept in the Tweed. Now the pole is not used as in punting; but the man who manages the boat, instead of shifting his place, stands up or sits down at the stern; he keeps his eye upon her head, and forces her straight up the rapids, pressing the pole in the direction in which he would steer with a rudder.
2. In comb. cant-hook, a kind of lever or crowbar, freq. used for tilting logs. Also in U.S.Edb. 1819 Edb. Ev. Courant (29 March) 3:
A Bag, containing a large Sheet and an instrument in the form of a small cant-hook. The Kirk Session of North Leith, having strong suspicions that these instruments have been employed for Raising Dead Bodies.
[Appar. an extended usage of Eng. cant, to tilt; of a vessel: to move obliquely. Cf. Cant, n.2]
