Re*ni"tent (-tent), a. [L. renitens, -entis, p. pr. of renit to strive or struggle against, resist; pref. re- re- + niti to struggle or strive: cf. F. r'enitent.]
1.
Resisting pressure or the effect of it; acting against impluse by elastic force.
"[Muscles] soft and yet
renitent."
Ray.
2.
Persistently opposed.
© Webster 1913.