Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Dilapidate?

\Di*lap"i*date\, 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. If the bishop, parson, or vicar, etc., dilapidates the buildings, or cuts down the timber of the patrimony. --Blackstone. 2. To impair by waste and abuse; to squander. The patrimony of the bishopric of Oxon was much dilapidated. --Wood.
\Di*lap"i*date\, v. i. To get out of repair; to fall into partial ruin; to become decayed; as, the church was suffered to dilapidate. --Johnson.