Con \Con\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Conned}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Conning}.] [AS. cunnan to know, be able, and (derived from
this) cunnian to try, test. See {Can}, v. t. & i.]
1. To know; to understand; to acknowledge. [Obs.]

Of muses, Hobbinol, I con no skill. --Spenser.

They say they con to heaven the highway. --Spenser.

2. To study in order to know; to peruse; to learn; to commit
to memory; to regard studiously.

Fixedly did look
Upon the muddy waters which he conned
As if he had been reading in a book. --Wordsworth.

I did not come into Parliament to con my lesson.
--Burke.

{To con answer}, to be able to answer. [Obs.]

{To con thanks}, to thank; to acknowledge obligation. [Obs.]
--Shak.