Obstinate in refusal; specifically, in English history, refusing to acknowledge the supremacy of the king in the churc, or to conform to the established rites of the church; as, a recusant lord. It stated him to have placed his son in the household of the Countess of Derby, a recusant papist. Sir W. Scott.
One who is obstinate in refusal; one standing out stubbornly against general practice or opinion. The last rebellious recusants among the European family of nations. De Quincey.
A person who refuses to acknowledge the supremacy of the king in matters of religion; as, a Roman Catholic recusant, who acknowledges the supremacy of the pope. Brande & C.
One who refuses communion with the Church of England; a nonconformist. All that are recusants of holy rites. Holyday.
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