Definition of: default

(di·fôlt′) noun
1. A failure in or neglect of an obligation or duty; failure to appear or plead in a suit; failure to pay a sum due.
2. Want or deficiency; absence; lack: in default of evidence.
3. Obs. A fault; transgression.
4. The failure to appear for an athletic contest, race, etc.; failure to finish acontest. See synonyms under NEGLECT, WANT.
—in default of Owing to lack or failure of.
—judgment by default A judgment in a civil action rendered for failure to prosecute or defend.
—v.i.
1. To fail or neglect to fulfil or do a duty, obligation, etc.
2. To fail to meet financial obligations.
3. Law To fail to appear in court; also, to lose by default.
4. In sports, to fail to compete or complete a game, etc.; also, to lose or forfeit a game, etc., by default.
—v.t.
5. To fail to perform or pay.
6. To declare in default, especially legally.
7. In sports, to fail to compete in, as a game; also, to forfeit by default. [<OF defaut <defaillir <de- down + fallere deceive]