Nautical Term: Cant

Definition of Cant

Cant refers to the angle or inclination of an object from the perpendicular. This term can be used both as a noun and a verb.

As a noun, cant represents the degree of tilt or deviation from the right angle.

As a verb, to cant signifies the act of turning or tilting an object away from the square position with respect to a given reference point.

For instance, while sailing, the sailor might alter the sail’s angle to the wind for improved performance, causing the sail to cant.

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