Refuse

Refuse - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

REFU'SE, v.t. s as z. [L. recuso; re and the root of causor, to accuse; causa, cause. The primary sense of causor is to drive, to throw or thrust at, and recuso is to drive back, to repel or repulse, the sense of refuse.]

1. To deny a request, demand, invitation or command; to decline to do or grant what is solicited, claimed or commanded.

Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border. Num 20.

2. To decline to accept what is offered; as, to refuse an office; to refuse an offer.

If they refuse to take the cup at thy hand - Jer 25.

3. To reject; as, to refuse instruction or reproof.

Prov 10.

The stone which the builders refused is become the head of the corner. Psa 118.

[Note - Refuse expenses rejection more strongly than decline.]

REFU'SE, v.i. s as z. To decline to accept; not to comply.

Too proud to ask, to humble too refuse.

REF'USE, a.

Literally, refused; rejected; hence, worthless; of no value; left as unworthy of reception; as the refuse parts of stone or timber.

Please to bestow on him the refuse letters.

REF'USE, n. That which is refused or rejected as useless; waste matter.

REFU'SE, n. Refusal. Obs.