Recreancy is a term used to describe the act of DEFECTION, which is when someone abandons their allegiance or duty to a cause, country, or organization. It is often used in a military context, where a soldier deserts their post or refuses to fight. In other contexts, it can refer to a person who leaves a political party or religious group. The term is derived from the Latin word recreatio, which means 'RENEWAL' or 'REVIVAL'.