• 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. • Fault; offense; ill deed; wrong act; failure in virtue or wisdom. • 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. • To fail in duty; to offend. • To fail in fulfilling a contract, agreement, or duty. • To fail to appear in court; to let a case go by default. • To fail to perform or pay; to be guilty of neglect of; to omit; as, to default a dividend. • 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. • To leave out of account; to omit.