Main Entry:

¹re·cluse

Pronunciation:

\ˈre-ˌklüs, ri-ˈklüs, ˈre-ˌklüz\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French reclus, literally, shut away, from Late Latin reclusus, past participle of recludere to shut up, from Latin re- + claudere to close — more at close

Date:

13th century

: marked by withdrawal from society : solitary

— re·clu·sive \ri-ˈklü-siv, -ziv\ adjective

— re·clu·sive·ly adverb

— re·clu·sive·ness noun