Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Renitent \Re*ni"tent\ (-tent), a. [L. renitens, -entis, p. pr.
   of renit to strive or struggle against, resist; pref. re- re-
   + niti to struggle or strive: cf. F. r['e]nitent.]
   1. Resisting pressure or the effect of it; acting against
      impulse by elastic force. ``[Muscles] soft and yet
      renitent.'' --Ray.

   2. Persistently opposed.