Recusant meaning

A recusant is someone who refuses to attend services of the Church of England, often due to religious beliefs.


Recusant definitions

Word backwards tnasucer
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "recusant" is an adjective.
Syllabic division rec-u-sant
Plural The plural of the word recusant is recusants.
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) e,u,a
Consonants (5) r,c,s,n,t

Recusant refers to a person who refuses to submit to an authority or comply with a rule or regulation, especially in a religious context. The term has historical significance, particularly in the context of the English Reformation during the 16th and 17th centuries.

History of Recusants

During the English Reformation, when England broke away from the Roman Catholic Church and established the Church of England, individuals who remained loyal to the Pope and continued to practice Catholicism were labeled as recusants. These individuals faced various forms of persecution and discrimination for their beliefs, leading many to adhere to their faith in secret.

Legal Consequences

Recusants were required to pay fines for their noncompliance and could face imprisonment or even death for their refusal to conform to the established state religion. The enforcement of these laws varied over time, with periods of strict persecution followed by more lenient enforcement.

Impact on Society

The presence of recusants in English society challenged the authority of the Church of England and the monarchy, leading to tensions and conflicts within the country. Despite facing hardship and persecution, many recusants remained steadfast in their beliefs, choosing to prioritize their faith over loyalty to the state.

Legacy of Recusants

The legacy of recusants is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Their refusal to compromise their beliefs serves as a reminder of the importance of religious freedom and the right to conscience. Today, the term recusant is less commonly used but still carries historical significance in understanding the complexities of religious identity and persecution.


Recusant Examples

  1. The recusant student refused to participate in the school's mandatory assembly.
  2. The recusant employee did not attend the company's team-building event.
  3. She was labeled a recusant for challenging the traditional beliefs of her community.
  4. The recusant parishioner stopped attending church services in protest.
  5. He was considered a recusant by his peers for not conforming to societal norms.
  6. The recusant customer refused to pay the full price for the damaged goods.
  7. As a recusant, she chose not to participate in the election process.
  8. The recusant artist rejected mainstream trends in favor of their own unique style.
  9. The recusant driver refused to follow the traffic laws and was fined accordingly.
  10. Being a recusant, he opted out of the group camping trip to go on a solo adventure instead.


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  • Updated 07/04/2024 - 01:26:36