DEFAULT • DICCIONARIO INGLES.COM • Definition of Default

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/dɪfˈɔlt/ Listen

noun

Default n.

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." "Regardless of our merit or default."

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."

To suffer a default (Law), to permit an action to be called without appearing to answer.

verb

Default 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."

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."

Default v. i. (past & past part. defaulted; pres. part. defaulting)

1.

To fail in duty; to offend. "That he gainst courtesy so foully did default."

2.

To fail in fulfilling a contract, agreement, or duty.

3.

To fail to appear in court; to let a case go by default.

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Etymology of 'Default'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Default" Quotes from Famous Books

... politeness, he should be absolutely remarkable for his courteous manners. As a rule, to which there can be no exception taken, never lose any opportunity of lifting your hat, and making your most polished bow. This, in default of linguistic facility, is universally understood and appreciated in all civilised countries. In uncivilised countries, to remove your hat, or to bow, may be taken as a gross outrage on good manners, or ...

— Punch, Or The London Charivari, Vol. 101. Sep. 12, 1891 • Various

... will not stay: beside the central shrine The victims stand, prepared for knife and fire— Offerings from hearts beyond all hope made glad. Thou—if thou reckest aught of my command, 'Twere well done soon: but if thy sense be shut From these my words, let thy barbarian hand Fulfil by gesture the default of speech. ...

— The House of Atreus • AEschylus

... prosperously I succeeded. The Queen was uncommonly condescending and gracious, and deigned to drink my health when I presented her with the last glass, and to thank me for all my attentions. Indeed my memory de la vieille cour was but once in default. As I had been assured that her Majesty would be attended by her chamberlain, yet was not, I had no glove ready when I received her at the step of her coach: yet she honoured me with her hand to lead her up stairs; nor did I ...

— Letters of Horace Walpole, V4 • Horace Walpole

... American loftiness aspire to full-grown trees, there is still plenty to do in the most ordinary woodlands. After a chapter of Mr. Ruskin upon Claude and Poussin and Turner, there is nothing like going to the original documents. In default of the National Gallery from London and the Pitti Palace from the other side of Arno, which cannot be summoned into court at a moment's notice, we can solve at least half the problem. Mr. Ruskin may or may not be right about the Claudes; but it is very easy to ...

— Atlantic Monthly, Vol. 5, No. 27, January, 1860 • Various

... to defend them. They had been a great nuisance and were ordered to appear in court. But none of them turned up. M. Chassensee therefore argued that a default should not be taken because all the rats had been summoned, and some were either so young or so old and decrepit that they needed more time. The court thereupon granted him an extension. However, they didn't arrive on the day set, and this time their lawyer claimed that they were ...

— Tutt and Mr. Tutt • Arthur Train

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