Canting is an adjective that means pious or righteous.
The word cant, C-A-N-T — without the apostrophe — refers to the insincere use of pious words. A person who is frequently expressing cant could be called hypocritical or self-righteous or: canting.
When my canting uncle went on and on this Thanksgiving about his views on war I reached the point where I couldn’t take any more. If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s someone ruining dinner with self-righteous preaching.