REFU'SE, verb transitive s as z. [Latin 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. Numbers 20:21.

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 - Jeremiah 25:28.

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

Proverbs 10:1.

The stone which the builders refused is become the head of the corner. Psalms 118:22.

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

REFU'SE, verb intransitive s as z. To decline to accept; not to comply.

Too proud to ask, to humble too refuse

REF'USE, adjective

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, noun That which is refused or rejected as useless; waste matter.

REFU'SE, noun Refusal. obsolete