Dictionary

bant en · VERB · etymology 1

Back-formation from banting.

(archaic, colloquial) To regulate what one eats according to the precepts of William Banting; to go on a diet.
- ‘I'm so sorry,’ she cried, jumping up. ‘I shall have to bant if I can't break myself of this habit of sitting on gentlemen's knees.’ 1915, W. Somerset Maugham, chapter 70, in Of Human Bondage:
- ‘I have certainly never banted for the sake of a woman,’ I said jokingly. 1969, Graham Greene, chapter 7, in Travels with my Aunt:
- If he is […] gouty, obese, and nervous, we strongly recommend him to ‘bant.’ 1865 June 12, Pall Mall Gazette:

Spelling	Features	Source
bants	Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres	lexicographic
banted	Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part	lexicographic
banted	Tense=Past	lexicographic
banting	Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part	lexicographic

Clipping of banter.

(abbreviation, alt-of, clipping, slang, uncountable) Clipping of banter.
alt of banter