rec·u·sa·tion \ˌrekyəˈzāshən\noun (-s) Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French recusation, from Latin recusation-, recusatio refusal, from recusatus (past participle of recusare to refuse) + -ion-, -io -ion civil & canon law: refusal, objection, exception; especially: a plea challenging a judge for alleged interest, partiality, or other incompetency