default

n. [ OE. defaute, OF. defaute, defalte, fem., F. défaut, masc., LL. defalta, fr. a verb meaning, to be deficient, to want, fail, fr. L. de- + fallere to deceive. See Fault. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Fault; offense; ill deed; wrong act; failure in virtue or wisdom. [ 1913 Webster ]

And pardon craved for his so rash default. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

Regardless of our merit or default. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

In default of, in case of failure or lack of. [ 1913 Webster ] Cooks could make artificial birds and fishes in default of the real ones. Arbuthnot. --
To suffer a default (Law), to permit an action to be called without appearing to answer. [ 1913 Webster ]