Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Renounce

Renounce (re*nouns") , transitive verb

[French renoncer, Latin renuntiare to bring back word, announce, revoke, retract, renounce; pref. re- re- + nuntiare to announce, from nuncius, a messenger. See Nuncio, and cf. Renunciation.]

1.
To declare against; to reject or decline formally; to refuse to own or acknowledge as belonging to one; to disclaim; as, to renounce a title to land or to a throne.
2.
To cast off or reject deliberately; to disown; to dismiss; to forswear.
This world I do renounce, and in your sights Shake patiently my great affliction off. — Shakespeare
3.
(Card Playing) To disclaim having a card of (the suit led) by playing a card of another suit.
From Thebes my birth I own;... since no disgrace Can force me to renounce the honor of my race. — Dryden
Either to die the death, or to abjure Forever the society of man. — Shakespeare
Ease would recant Vows made in pain, as violent and void. — Milton
Collocations (1)
To renounce probate (Law) , to decline to act as the executor of a will. — Mozley & W

Renounce , intransitive verb

1.
To make renunciation. [Obsolete]
He of my sons who fails to make it good, By one rebellious act renounces to my blood. — Dryden
2.
(Law) To decline formally, as an executor or a person entitled to letters of administration, to take out probate or letters.
Dryden died without a will, and his widow having renounced, his son Charles administered on June 10. — W. D. Christie

Renounce , noun

(Card Playing) Act of renouncing.