De*fault" (?), n. [OE. defaute,
OF. defaute, defalte, fem., F. défaut,
masc., LL. defalta, fr. a verb meaning, to be deficient, to
want, fail, fr. L. de- + fallere to deceive. See
Fault.] 1. A failing or failure; omission
of that which ought to be done; neglect to do what duty or law
requires; as, this evil has happened through the governor's
default.
2. Fault; offense; ill deed; wrong act;
failure in virtue or wisdom.
And pardon craved for his so rash
default.
Spenser.
Regardless of our merit or
default.
Pope.
3. (Law) A neglect of, or failure to
take, some step necessary to secure the benefit of law, as a failure
to appear in court at a day assigned, especially of the defendant in
a suit when called to make answer; also of jurors, witnesses,
etc.
In default of, in case of failure or lack
of.
Cooks could make artificial birds and fishes in
default of the real ones.
Arbuthnot.
--
To suffer a default (Law), to
permit an action to be called without appearing to answer.
De*fault", v. i. [imp. & p.
p. Defaulted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Defaulting.] 1. To fail in duty; to
offend.
That he gainst courtesy so foully did
default.
Spenser.
2. To fail in fulfilling a contract,
agreement, or duty.
3. To fail to appear in court; to let a case
go by default.
De*fault", v. t. 1.
To fail to perform or pay; to be guilty of neglect of; to omit;
as, to default a dividend.
What they have defaulted towards him as no
king.
Milton.
2. (Law) To call a defendant or other
party whose duty it is to be present in court, and make entry of his
default, if he fails to appear; to enter a default against.
3. To leave out of account; to omit.
[Obs.]
Defaulting unnecessary and partial
discourses.
Hales.
