Main Entry: re·course

Pronunciation: \ˈrē-ˌkȯrs, ri-ˈ\

Function: noun

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

Date: 14th century

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 (as a check)