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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Recusant

Re-cū'sant, a.

adjective

a. [Lat. recusans, p. pr. of recusare, to refuse, to object to, from re, again, against, and causa, a cause, pretext. See RECUSE.] Obstinate in refusal; specifically, in English history, refusing to acknowledge the supremacy of the king, or to conform to the established rites of the church; as, a recusant lord.

It stated him to have placed his son in the household of the Countess of Derby, a recusant Papist. W. Scott.

Re-cū'sant, n.

noun

(Synop., § 130), n. [See supra.]

  1. One obstinate in refusal; one standing out stubbornly against general practice or opinion. “The last rebellious recusants among the family of nations.” De Quincy.
  2. (Eng. Hist.) A person who refuses to acknowledge the supremacy of the king in matters of religion; as, a popish recusant, who acknowledges the supremacy of the pope. Brande.
  3. One who refuses communion with the church of England: a non-conformist. “All that are recusants of holy rites.” Holyday.