Re*cu"sant [L. recusans, -antis, p.pr. of recure to refuse, to oject to; pref. re- re + causa a cause, pretext: cf. F. r'ecusant. See Cause, and cf. Ruse.]

Obstinate in refusal; specifically, in English history, refusing to acknowledge the supremacy of the king in the churc, 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. Sir W. Scott.

 

© Webster 1913.


Re*cu"sant, n.

1.

One who is obstinate in refusal; one standing out stubbornly against general practice or opinion.

The last rebellious recusants among the European family of nations. De Quincey.

2. Eng. Hist.

A person who refuses to acknowledge the supremacy of the king in matters of religion; as, a Roman Catholic recusant, who acknowledges the supremacy of the pope.

Brande & C.

3.

One who refuses communion with the Church of England; a nonconformist.

All that are recusants of holy rites. Holyday.

 

© Webster 1913.

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