a.[ L. recusans, -antis, p. pr. of recure to refuse, to oject to; pref. re- re + causa a cause, pretext: cf. F. récusant. See Cause, and cf. Ruse. ] Obstinate in refusal; specifically, in English history, refusing to acknowledge the supremacy of the king in the church, or to conform to the established rites of the church; as, a recusant lord. [ 1913 Webster ]

It stated him to have placed his son in the household of the Countess of Derby, a recusant papist. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who is obstinate in refusal; one standing out stubbornly against general practice or opinion. [ 1913 Webster ]

The last rebellious recusants among the European family of nations. De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Eng. Hist.) 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. One who refuses communion with the Church of England; a nonconformist. [ 1913 Webster ]

All that are recusants of holy rites. Holyday. [ 1913 Webster ]