Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Recidivous /(rē̇*sĭd"ĭ*vŭs)/ · Re·cid·i·vous · IPA /ɹɪˈsɪd.ɪ.vəs/ 01 a. Tending or liable to backslide or relapse to a former condition or habit. 1. Tending or liable to backslide or relapse to a former condition or habit.