Mid 17th century; earliest use found in Gilbert Watts (d. 1657), Church of England clergyman and translator. From post-classical Latin renitentia resistance from classical Latin renītent, renītēns + -ia. In later use probably reinforced by French rénitence resistance, quality of being resistant or recalcitrant. Compare Catalan renitència, Spanish renitencia, Portuguese renitência, Italian renitenza.