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

He laughed and cried: "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

And in the Report of the Prison Inspectors to the House of Lords, in 1841, it appeared that, in 1830, ten persons were in prison for recusancy in not attending their parish churches.

From Project Gutenberg

The acts imposing fines for recusancy, repealed in 1650, were later executed with great severity.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Charles found himself embarrassed by a request to put in force the recusancy laws, while at the same time he was angered by an open attack upon his favourite.

From Project Gutenberg