In the history of England, recusancy was a term used to describe the statutory offence of not complying with and conforming to the Established church or State religion, the Church of England. Outside the context of English history, the word also defines non-compliance with the status quo, more particularly, but not exclusively, with a state religion. Origins After the English Reformation and establishment of the Church of England, from the 16th to the 19th century those guilty of such Nonconfo… (More on Recusancy)