1) To decline to accept (something offered). 2) To decline to give (Dictionary.com). See also: → refute, → reject, → repulse, → recoil.
M.E. refusen, from M.Fr. refuser, from L. refusus, p.pa. of refundere "to give back," from → re- "back" + fundere "to pour."
Verb from → refusal.