neglige

n. [ F. négligence, L. negligentia. ] The quality or state of being negligent; lack of due diligence or care; omission of duty; habitual neglect; heedlessness. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An act or instance of negligence or carelessness. [ 1913 Webster ]

remarking his beauties, . . . I must also point out his negligences and defects. Blair. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Law) The omission of the care usual under the circumstances, being convertible with the Roman culpa. A specialist is bound to higher skill and diligence in his specialty than one who is not a specialist, and liability for negligence varies acordingly. [ 1913 Webster ]

Contributory negligence. See under Contributory. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Neglect; inattention; heedlessness; disregard; slight. -- Negligence, Neglect. These two words are freely interchanged in our older writers; but a distinction has gradually sprung up between them. As now generally used, negligence is the habit, and neglect the act, of leaving things undone or unattended to. We are negligent as a general trait of character; we are guilty of neglect in particular cases, or in reference to individuals who had a right to our attentions. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ F. négligent, L. negligens, p. pr. of negligere. See Neglect. ] Apt to neglect; customarily neglectful; characterized by negligence; careless; heedless; culpably careless; showing lack of attention; as, disposed in negligent order. “Be thou negligent of fame.” Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

He that thinks he can afford to be negligent is not far from being poor. Rambler. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Careles; heedless; neglectful; regardless; thoughtless; indifferent; inattentive; remiss. [ 1913 Webster ]