recalcitrant: [19] People who are recalcitrant are etymologically ‘kicking back’ against whatever restrains or upsets them. The word was borrowed from French récalcitrant, a descendant of the present participle of Latin recalcitrāre ‘kick back’. This was a compound verb formed from the prefix re- ‘back, again’ and calcitrāre ‘kick’, which in turn was derived from Latin calx ‘heel’.
recalcitrant (adj.)
1823, from French récalcitrant, literally "kicking back" (17c.-18c.), past participle of recalcitrare "to kick back; be inaccessible," from re- "back" (see re-) + Latin calcitrare "to kick," from calx (genitive calcis) "heel." Used from 1797 as a French word in English.
权威例句
1. The danger is that recalcitrant local authorities will reject their responsibilities.
危险在于抗命不遵的地方当局将拒绝履行他们的职责。
2. The University suspended the most recalcitrant demonstraters.
这所大学把几个反抗性最强的示威者开除了.
3. He had a knack for coaxing even the most recalcitrant engine to life.
即使是最难摆弄的发动机他都有本事搞定。
4. Donkeys are reputed to be the most recalcitrant animals.
驴被认为是最倔强的牲畜。
5. Questions about norms and spectra are likely to be recalcitrant.