\Re*nounce"\ (r[-e]*nouns"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Renounced} (-nounst"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Renouncing}
(-noun"s?ng).] [F. renoncer, L. renuntiare to bring back
word, announce, revoke, retract, renounce; pref. re- re- +
nuntiare to announce, fr. nuncius, a messenger. See {Nuncio},
and cf. {Renunciation}.]
1. To declare against; to reject or decline formally; to
   refuse to own or acknowledge as belonging to one; to
   disclaim; as, to renounce a title to land or to a throne.
2. To cast off or reject deliberately; to disown; to dismiss;
   to forswear.
         This world I do renounce, and in your sights Shake
         patiently my great affliction off.    --Shak.
3. (Card Playing) To disclaim having a card of (the suit led)
   by playing a card of another suit.
{To renounce probate} (Law), to decline to act as the
   executor of a will. --Mozley & W.
Syn: To cast off; disavow; disown; disclaim; deny; abjure;
     recant; abandon; forsake; quit; forego; resign;
     relinquish; give up; abdicate.
Usage: {Renounce}, {Abjure}, {Recant}. -- To renounce is to
       make an affirmative declaration of abandonment. To
       abjure is to renounce with, or as with, the solemnity
       of an oath. To recant is to renounce or abjure some
       proposition previously affirmed and maintained.
             From Thebes my birth I own; . . . since no
             disgrace Can force me to renounce the honor of
             my race.                          --Dryden.
             Either to die the death, or to abjure Forever
             the society of man.               --Shak.
             Ease would recant Vows made in pain, as violent
             and void.                         --Milton.

\Re*nounce"\, v. i.
1. To make renunciation. [Obs.]
         He of my sons who fails to make it good, By one
         rebellious act renounces to my blood. --Dryden.
2. (Law) To decline formally, as an executor or a person
   entitled to letters of administration, to take out probate
   or letters.
         Dryden died without a will, and his widow having
         renounced, his son Charles administered on June 10.
                                               --W. D.
                                               Christie.

\Re*nounce"\, n. (Card Playing)
Act of renouncing.