| Default | 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Fault; offense; ill deed; wrong act; failure in virtue or wisdom. [ 1913 Webster ] And pardon craved for his so rash default. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ] Regardless of our merit or default. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
In default of, in case of failure or lack of. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
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| Default | v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Defaulted; p. pr. & vb. n. Defaulting. ] 1. To fail in duty; to offend. [ 1913 Webster ] That he gainst courtesy so foully did default. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To fail in fulfilling a contract, agreement, or duty. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To fail to appear in court; to let a case go by default. [ 1913 Webster ] |
| Default | v. t. 1. To fail to perform or pay; to be guilty of neglect of; to omit; as, to default a dividend. [ 1913 Webster ] What they have defaulted towards him as no king. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To leave out of account; to omit. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Defaulting unnecessary and partial discourses. Hales. [ 1913 Webster ] |
