recourse

noun

re·​course ˈrē-ˌkȯrs How to pronounce recourse (audio)
ri-ˈkȯrs
1
a
: a turning to someone or something for help or protection
settled the matter without recourse to law
b
: a source of help or strength : resort
had no recourse left
2
: the right to demand payment from the maker or endorser of a negotiable instrument (such as a check)

Examples of recourse in a Sentence

The dispute was settled without recourse to law. a toddler quickly learns that a tantrum is a surefire recourse when a polite request for something is met with parental indifference
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Washington — Voters in Puerto Rico who are angered by an offensive remark about the island at former President Donald Trump's campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sunday have little recourse because residents of the territory cannot vote in the presidential election. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2024 Legal experts said the federal government lost significant legal recourse in 2013, when the Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. David Nakamura The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024 Ensuring brands understand the regulatory landscape is essential for marketing success—not only to avoid being suppressed by the ad platform, but also to not face legal recourse. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 The only recourse offered was having someone open the walls to assess the damage, during which time we were expected to remain in the apartment and enjoy the escalating consequences. Melissa Kenny, refinery29.com, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for recourse 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English recours, from Anglo-French recurs, from Late Latin recursus, from Latin, act of running back, from recurrere to run back — more at recur

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of recourse was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near recourse

Cite this Entry

“Recourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recourse. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

recourse

noun
re·​course ˈrē-ˌkō(ə)rs How to pronounce recourse (audio)
-ˌkȯ(ə)rs;
ri-ˈkō(ə)rs,
-ˈkȯ(ə)rs
1
: a turning for assistance or protection
have recourse to the law
2
: a source of help or strength : resort

Legal Definition

recourse

noun
1
a
: the act of turning to someone or something for assistance especially in obtaining redress
b
: a means to a desired end especially in the nature of a remedy or justice
also : the end itself
2
: the right or ability to demand payment or compensation
specifically : the right to demand payment from the endorser or drawer of a negotiable instrument see also recourse note at note compare non-recourse

Note: Under Article 3 of the Uniform Commercial Code, the phrase without recourse on a negotiable instrument limits the liability of the endorser or drawer. If an endorsement states that it is made without recourse, the endorser is not liable to pay, subject to various conditions, if the instrument is dishonored. Similarly, if a draft states that it is drawn without recourse, the drawer is not liable to pay, subject to various conditions, if the draft is dishonored, provided that it is not a check.

More from Merriam-Webster on recourse

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