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.
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2. Fault; offense; ill deed; wrong act; failure in virtue or wisdom.
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And pardon craved for his so rash default. Spenser.
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Regardless of our merit or default. Pope.
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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.
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In default of, in case of failure or lack of.
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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.
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Default, v. t. 1. To fail to perform or pay; to be guilty of neglect of; to omit; as, to default a dividend.
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What they have defaulted towards him as no king. Milton.
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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.
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3. To leave out of account; to omit. [Obs.]
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Defaulting unnecessary and partial discourses. Hales.
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