canst

American  

[kanst] / kænst /

verb

Archaic.

1. 2nd person singular present tense of can.

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canst British  

/ kænst /

verb

1. archaic when used with the pronoun thou or its relative form, a form of can 1

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Example Sentences

"Canst thou," he inquires soulfully, "spare me thy trousers, thy jacket, thy shirt, thy shoes, thy cufflinks, thy watch, every accessory thou hast on thy person?"

From Time Magazine Archive

Canst thou thunder with a voice like his?

From Time Magazine Archive

Canst thou alter the fact that thou art not wholly mine, that I am not wholly thine?—Alas! look into the beauties of Nature, and calm thy mind for what must be endured.

From Beethoven: A Memoir (2nd Ed.) by Graeme, Elliott

"Thou rascal," said Nicholas; but adding, more prudently, "Canst thou be honest, and serve us?"

From The War Tiger Or, Adventures and Wonderful Fortunes of the Young Sea Chief and His Lad Chow: A Tale of the Conquest of China by Dalton, William

Canst thou make me immortal, O thou that blamest me so For haunting the battle and loving the pleasures that fly?

From A Literary History of the Arabs by Nicholson, Reynold