RECU'SANT, adjective s as z. [Latin recusans, recuso, to refuse; re and the root of causa, signifying to drive. The primary sense is to repel or drive back.] Refusing to acknowledge the supremacy of the king, or to conform to the established rites of the church; as a recusant lord. RECU'SANT, noun [supra.] 1. In English history, a person who refuses to acknowledge the supremacy of the king in matters of religion; as a popish recusant who acknowledges the supremacy of the pope. 2. One who refuses communion with the church of England; a non-conformist. All that are recusants of holy rites.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI