Category:Recusant

Re*cu"sant (-zat; 277), a.Etym: [l. recusans, -antis, p.pr. of recure To refuse, to oject to; pref. re- re + causa a cause, pretext: cf. F. Récusant. See cause, and cf. Ruse.]

Defn: 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.

Recusant 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.)

Defn: 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.