Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Default?

\De*fault"\, n. [OE. defaute, OF. defaute, defalte, fem., F. d['e]faut, 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.