recalcitrant

stubbornly resistant to authority or control

Kicking back; recalcitrating; hence, showing repugnance or opposition; refractory.

Latin recalcitrationem, from calcitrare to kick

“When you are in the enemy's country you are dependent on the activity and zeal of your spies and scouts, and the best of these--Polly Wheedle, to wit--had proved defective, recalcitrant even.”

— George Meredith, Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith

In Tokyo's bustling streets, Feroz, a recalcitrant sushi chef, refused to use robot helpers. When his restaurant filled with robotic chefs, he locked himself in the kitchen, chopping fish like a samurai against automation.

At the Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon, Esme refused to budge from her spot by the sardine stalls, arms crossed over her chest as vendors bustled around her. When a vendor tried to hand her a flyer, she pushed it away with a flick of her wrist, her recalcitrant stance drawing curious glances from passersby.

“This is how pecuniary compensation appeared for criminals the least recalcitrant and whose rehabilitation was deemed possible.”