noun. The act of recanting; retraction; especially, solemn renunciation or abjuration of a doctrine or religious system previously maintained, with acknowledgment that it is erroneous.

noun. The act of recanting; a declaration that contradicts a former one; that which is thus asserted in contradiction; retraction.

noun. the act of recanting or something recanted

noun. a disavowal or taking back of a previous assertion

"The cardinal plainly told him so; and as it is, he has signed a paper which they call a recantation of heresy."