recusancy

American  

[rek-yuh-zuhn-see, ri-koo-] / ˈrɛk yə zən si, rɪˈku- /

noun

1. the state of being recusant.

2. obstinate refusal or opposition.

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Etymology

Origin of recusancy

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

Example Sentences

He was educated at Oxford, where, at the age of twenty, he was imprisoned for recusancy.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 4 "Finland" to "Fleury, Andre" by Various

The recusancy fines, which were still exacted in a modified form, kept up a certain feeling of irritation, but on the whole the Catholics were loyal.

From Henrietta Maria by Haynes, Henrietta

Without my knowledge, he wrote to Mr. Ellice lamenting my secret recusancy, and its moral dangers.

From Tracks of a Rolling Stone by Coke, Henry J. (Henry John)

Halifax now worked to establish intimate relations between Charles and the prince of Orange and opposed the abrogation of the recusancy laws.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 7 "Gyantse" to "Hallel" by Various

He put in force the recusancy laws, thus breaking the solemn promise which he had made only a few months before to a brother-sovereign, and inflicting an almost unbearable insult upon his young wife.

From Henrietta Maria by Haynes, Henrietta