recant (v.)

1530s, from Latin recantare "recall, revoke," from re- "back" (see re-) + cantare "to chant, to sing" (from PIE root *kan- "to sing"). A word from the Reformation. Loan-translation of Greek palinoidein "recant," from palin "back" + oeidein "to sing." Related: Recanted; recanting.