Definition of "inelastic"

He spoke languidly, and only those few words, like a watch with an inelastic spring, that just ticks a moment or two and stops again.

1852, Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Blithedale Romance

I cannot believe that Christ himself intended that his religion should be so inelastic, so hard and fast, so cruel as you imply.

1913, Winston Churchill, The Inside Of The Cup