Sullen or perverse in opposition or disobedience; obstinate in non-compliance; as a refractory child; a refractory servant. Raging appetites that are most disobedient and refractory.

Unmanageable; obstinately unyielding; as a refractory beast.

Applied to metals, difficult of fusion; not easily yielding to the force of heat.

A person obstinate in opposition or disobedience.

Obstinate opposition.