Re‐cu″sant, n. 1. 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.
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.
3. One who refuses communion with the Church of England; a nonconformist.
All that are recusants of holy rites. Holyday.