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

Continued recusancy was to be punished by placing filth outside the culprit's door on feast-days.

From Life in the Medieval University by Rait, Robert S.

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)

Refusal -- N. refusal, rejection; noncompliance, incompliance†; denial; declining &c. v.; declension; declinature†; peremptory refusal, flat refusal, point blank refusal; repulse, rebuff; discountenance. recusancy, abnegation, protest, disclaimer; dissent &c.

From Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases by Roget, Peter Mark

The oppression of the Catholic gentry was limited to an exaction, more or less rigorous at different times, of the fines for recusancy or non-attendance at public worship.

From History of the English People, Volume IV by Green, John Richard

I believe the reason of this recusancy is the fear of disgusting my friends, as with a book open always at the same page.

From The Correspondence of Thomas Carlyle and Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1834-1872, Vol II. by Carlyle, Thomas