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Entry 9 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Default

/dĭf-ôlt'/ · De·fault · IPA /dɪˈfɔlt/
01 n. 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 …
  1. 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. 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. 3.
    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.(Law)
    “Cooks could make artificial birds and fishes in default of the real ones.” — Arbuthnot.
02 v. i. To fail in duty; to offend.
imp. & p. p. Defaulted; p. pr. & vb. n. Defaulting
  1. 1.
    To fail in duty; to offend.
    “That he gainst courtesy so foully did default.” — Spenser.
  2. 2.
    To fail in fulfilling a contract, agreement, or duty.
  3. 3.
    To fail to appear in court; to let a case go by default.
03 v. t. To fail to perform or pay; to be guilty of neglect of; to omit; as, to default a dividend.
  1. 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. 2.
    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.(Law)
  3. 3.
    To leave out of account; to omit.[Obs.]
    “Defaulting unnecessary and partial discourses.” — Hales.