a. [ L. renitens, -entis, p. pr. of renit to strive or struggle against, resist; pref. re- re- + niti to struggle or strive: cf. F. rénitent. ] 1. Resisting pressure or the effect of it; acting against impulse by elastic force. “[ Muscles ] soft and yet renitent.” Ray. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Persistently opposed. [ 1913 Webster ]