v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Dilapidated p. pr. & vb. n. Dilapidating ] [ L. dilapidare to scatter like stones; di- = dis- + lapidare to throw stones, fr. lapis a stone. See Lapidary. ] 1. To bring into a condition of decay or partial ruin, by misuse or through neglect; to destroy the fairness and good condition of; -- said of a building. [ 1913 Webster ]

If the bishop, parson, or vicar, etc., dilapidates the buildings, or cuts down the timber of the patrimony. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To impair by waste and abuse; to squander. [ 1913 Webster ]

The patrimony of the bishopric of Oxon was much dilapidated. Wood. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To get out of repair; to fall into partial ruin; to become decayed; as, the church was suffered to dilapidate. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Decayed; fallen into partial ruin; injured by bad usage or neglect. [ 1913 Webster ]

A deserted and dilapidated buildings. Cooper. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. dilapidatio: cf. F. dilapidation. ] 1. The act of dilapidating, or the state of being dilapidated, reduced to decay, partially ruined, or squandered. [ 1913 Webster ]

Tell the people that are relived by the dilapidation of their public estate. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Ecclesiastical waste; impairing of church property by an incumbent, through neglect or by intention. [ 1913 Webster ]

The business of dilapidations came on between our bishop and the Archibishop of York. Strype. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Law) The pulling down of a building, or suffering it to fall or be in a state of decay. Burrill. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. dilapidateur. ] One who causes dilapidation. Strype. [ 1913 Webster ]