from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Reluctance \Re*luc"tance\ (r?-l?k"tans), Reluctancy
\Re*luc"tan*cy\ (-tan-s?), n. [See {Reluctant}.]
1. The state or quality of being reluctant; repugnance;
aversion of mind; unwillingness; -- often followed by an
infinitive, or by to and a noun, formerly sometimes by
against. "Tempering the severity of his looks with a
reluctance to the action." --Dryden.
Syn: Syn. See {Dislike}.
[1913 Webster]
He had some reluctance to obey the summons. --Sir
W. Scott.
[1913 Webster]
Bear witness, Heaven, with what reluctancy
Her helpless innocence I doom to die. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Elec.) Magnetic resistance, being equal to the ratio of
magnetomotive force to magnetic flux.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]