Glossary
Gate
A check a write must pass. Pre-gates G1–G9 run at rung 3; six can never be skipped.
Read the termGlossary · Term 32 of 39
Refusal
A refusal is a typed "no" from any rung of the Right Path when an AI agent's write fails a check. It names the rung and reason in a structured envelope that code can handle. Every refusal still writes a proof record, and it is metered at 0.4 of a governed action, less than an allowed write costs.
In one sentence: A typed "no" from any rung. It still writes a proof record and costs 40% of one governed action.
01In more detail
What it means in practice
The caller receives a typed code from the frozen register; the record joins the chain; the meter shows 0.4 of a governed action. It costs less than an allowed write because nothing is written to your books.
Refusals are information. They show how often agents propose writes your rules do not allow, and which rule said no.
02Where this shows up in elan1
Any rung of the Right Path; the refused-write specimen; the meter, at 0.4 of a governed action.
Defined in the elan1 glossary · Last reviewed 10 Oct 2026. Definitions change only with a dated note.
// SEE IT
See the term in a governed action.
The walkthrough follows one write from intent to proof record, using the words in this glossary.