browse words by letter
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
lapsed |
3 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Lapse \Lapse\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Lapsed}; p. pr & vb n. {Lapsing}.] 1. To pass slowly and smoothly downward, backward, or away to slip downward, backward, or away to glide; -- mostly restricted to figurative uses. A tendency to lapse into the barbarity of those northern nations from whom we are descended. --Swift. Homer, in his characters of Vulcan and Thersites has lapsed into the burlesque character. --Addison. 2. To slide or slip in moral conduct; to fail in duty; to fall from virtue; to deviate from rectitude; to commit a fault by inadvertence or mistake. To lapse in fullness Is sorer than to lie for need --Shak. 3. (Law) a To fall or pass from one proprietor to another, or from the original destination, by the omission, negligence, or failure of some one as a patron, a legatee, etc b To become ineffectual or void; to fall. If the archbishop shall not fill it up within six months ensuing, it lapses to the king. --Ayliffe. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Lapsed \Lapsed\, a. 1. Having slipped downward, backward, or away having lost position, privilege, etc., by neglect; -- restricted to figurative uses. Once more I will renew His lapsed powers, though forfeit. --Milton. 2. Ineffectual, void, or forfeited; as a lapsed policy of insurance; a lapsed legacy. {Lapsed devise}, {Lapsed legacy} (Law), a devise, or legacy, which fails to take effect in consequence of the death of the devisee, or legatee, before that of the testator, or for ether cause --Wharton (Law Dict.). From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: lapsed adj : no longer active or practicing; "a lapsed Catholic" [syn: {nonchurchgoing}]
more about lapsed
This work is licensed under a
