Recalcitrant, a.
Etymology: [L. recalcitrans, p. pr. of recalcitrare to kick back; pref. re- re- + calcitrare to kick, fr. calx heel. Cf. Inculcate.]
Kicking back; recalcitrating; hence, showing repugnance or opposition; refractory.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for recalcitrant; he lists it under restive.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.