Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Recalcitrant /(rē̇*kăl"sĭ*trant)/ · Re·cal·ci·trant · IPA /ɹɪˈkæl.sɪ.tɹənt/ 01 a. Kicking back; recalcitrating; hence, showing repugnance or opposition; refractory. 1. Kicking back; recalcitrating; hence, showing repugnance or opposition; refractory.