recourse

 
Pronunciation: /rɪˈkɔːs/

noun

[in singular]
  • a source of help in a difficult situation: surgery may be the only recourse
  • [mass noun] (recourse to) the use of (someone or something) as a source of help in a difficult situation: a means of solving disputes without recourse to courts of law all three countries had recourse to the IMF for standby loans
  • [mass noun] the legal right to demand compensation or payment: the bank has recourse against the exporter for losses incurred

Phrases

without recourse

Finance a formula used to disclaim responsibility for future non-payment, especially of a negotiable financial instrument: the drawer of funds is not liable and can discount without recourse

Origin:

late Middle English (also in the sense 'running or flowing back'): from Old French recours, from Latin recursus, from re- 'back, again' + cursus 'course, running'