An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. To decline to accept (something offered).
   

2. To decline to give (Dictionary.com).
   

See also: → refute, → reject, → repulse, → recoil.

Etymology (EN): M.E. refusen, from M.Fr. refuser, from L. refusus, p.pa. of refundere “to give back,” from → re- “back”

• fundere “to pour.”

Etymology (PE): Verb from → refusal.