recusant
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Refusing to submit to authority or comply with regulations: Describes a person or group that obstinately refuses to obey an order, law, or established authority.
- (Historically, of Catholics) refusing to attend services of the Church of England: Specifically refers to English Catholics who, from the 16th to 19th centuries, refused to attend Anglican church services as required by law.
Noun:
- A person who refuses to conform to established standards of conduct: An individual who resists authority or refuses to comply with official rules, especially on grounds of conscience.
- (Historical) A Catholic who refused to attend Church of England services: Specifically, a member of the Roman Catholic Church in England who disobeyed laws mandating attendance at Anglican services.
Examples of Usage
Adjective:
- The recusant nobleman was fined for his refusal to swear allegiance to the crown.
- Historically, recusant families faced severe penalties for their faith.
Noun:
- She was a recusant in matters of fashion, always wearing her own unique style.
- The government's records listed him as a recusant for his non-attendance at the state church.
Advanced Usage
Legal/Historical Context: The term is deeply rooted in English legal history concerning religious conformity. It often implies a formal, documented refusal with legal consequences.
- The recusant rolls were official lists of those who refused to attend Anglican communion.
Figurative/Modern Use: Can be applied to any nonconformist who defiantly rejects mainstream or official doctrines.
- In the corporate meeting, he was the sole recusant voice against the popular policy.
Variants and Related Words
- Recusancy (n): The condition or action of being a recusant; nonconformity, especially in a religious context.
- His recusancy was based on deeply held philosophical beliefs.
Synonyms
- Adjective: Nonconformist, dissenting, disobedient, refractory, insubordinate.
- Noun: Dissenter, nonconformist, dissident, rebel, holdout.
Related Phrases/Idioms
- Stand recusant: (Archaic) To take a position of refusal or dissent.
- He stood recusant before the committee, offering no defense but his silent refusal.
Adjective
- refusing to submit to authority
- the recusant electors...cooperated in electing a new Senate- Mary W.Williams
- (of Catholics) refusing to attend services of the Church of England
Noun
- someone who refuses to conform to established standards of conduct