The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Renitence \Re*ni"tence\ (r?-n?"tens), Renitency \Re*ni"ten*cy\ (-te-s?), n. [Cf. F. r['e]nitence.] The state or quality of being renitent; resistance; reluctance. --Sterne. [1913 Webster] We find a renitency in ourselves to ascribe life and irritability to the cold and motionless fibers of plants. --E. Darwin. [1913 Webster]