recusancy

American  

[rek-yuh-zuhn-see, ri-koo-] / ˈrɛk jə 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

See Examples For:

recusancy

For these were a couple of magistrates—harmless men, indeed, as regarded their hostility to the old Faith—yet Protestants who had sat more than once on the bench in Derby to hear cases of recusancy.

From Come Rack! Come Rope! by Robert Hugh Benson

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 Henrietta Haynes

Early in 1604, all Jesuits and seminary priests were banished; the recusancy fines and arrears were soon after stringently exacted, and many Roman Catholic families almost reduced to beggary.

From It Might Have Been The Story of the Gunpowder Plot by M. (Madelaine) Irwin

They can prove nothing against me—except, indeed, my recusancy; and that they have known this long time back.

From Come Rack! Come Rope! by Robert Hugh Benson

James’s first act, when his succession was peaceably ensured, was to remit the fines for recusancy.

From It Might Have Been The Story of the Gunpowder Plot by M. (Madelaine) Irwin