v. & n.
--v. (cancelled, cancelling; US canceled, canceling)
1. tr. a withdraw or revoke (a previous arrangement). b discontinue (an arrangement in progress).
2 tr. obliterate or delete (writing etc.).
3 tr. mark or pierce (a ticket, stamp, etc.) to invalidate it.
4 tr. annul; make void; abolish.
5 (often foll. by out) a tr. (of one factor or circumstance) neutralize or counterbalance (another). b intr. (of two factors or circumstances) neutralize each other.
6 tr. Math. strike out (an equal factor) on each side of an equation or from the numerator and denominator of a fraction.
--n.
1. a countermand.
2 the cancellation of a postage stamp.
3 Printing a new page or section inserted in a book to replace the original text, usu. to correct an error.
4 Mus. US a natural-sign.
Derivatives:
canceller n.
Etymology: ME f. F canceller f. L cancellare f. cancelli crossbars, lattice