recusancy

[ rek-yuh-zuhn-see, ri-koo- ]

noun

1. the state of being recusant.
2. obstinate refusal or opposition.

Word History and Origins

Origin of recusancy¹

First recorded in 1555–65; recus(ant) + -ancy

Example Sentences

Thou hast a ready tongue, young mistress; and when tried for recusancy I warrant thou'lt give the judge a piece of thy mind.

From Project Gutenberg

He suffered from the infliction of fines for popish recusancy, and appears to have left Scotton between 1604 and 1612.

From Project Gutenberg

Would he have wished that she should at once have given herself up without one maidenly scruple, one word of feminine recusancy?

From Project Gutenberg

For the penalties of being a Roman Catholic in England were enough to make an ambitious father dread recusancy in his son.

From Project Gutenberg

What could they have done to me, said my brother, on account of my recusancy?

From Project Gutenberg