Emily Dickinson Lexicon

refuse (-d), v. [Fr. < popular L. refūsum; see refund, v.] (webplay: offer, request).

1. Deny; reject; say no; decline a request; answer in the negative; decide not to grant an appeal.
2. Decline; be unwilling; be averse; be loath; be adamantly opposed.
3. Decline to answer; refrain from yielding.