recusant

rec·u·sant  (rky-znt, r-ky-)

n.

1. One of the Roman Catholics in England who incurred legal and social penalties in the 16th century and afterward for refusing to attend services of the Church of England.

2. A dissenter; a nonconformist.

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recu·san·cy n.

recu·sant adj.

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recusant [rek-yew-zant]

Noun

1. History a Roman Catholic who did not attend the services of the Church of England

2. a person who refuses to obey authority [Latin recusans refusing]

recusancy n

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	recusant - someone who refuses to conform to established standards of conduct nonconformist beatnik, beat - a member of the beat generation; a nonconformist in dress and behavior bohemian - a nonconformist writer or artist who lives an unconventional life dissenter, dissident, objector, protester, contestant - a person who dissents from some established policy enfant terrible - a person whose unconventional behavior embarrasses others heretic - a person who holds unorthodox opinions in any field (not merely religion) maverick, rebel - someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action
Adj.	1.	recusant - (of Catholics) refusing to attend services of the Church of England dissentient unorthodox - breaking with convention or tradition; "an unorthodox lifestyle"
	2.	recusant - refusing to submit to authority; "the recusant electors...cooperated in electing a new Senate"- Mary W.Williams disobedient - not obeying or complying with commands of those in authority; "disobedient children"