At fault, unable to find the scent and continue chase; hence, in
trouble or embarrassment, and unable to proceed; puzzled; thrown off
the track. -- To find fault, to find reason for blaming or complaining;
to express dissatisfaction; to complain; -- followed by with before the
thing complained of; but formerly by at. "Matter to find fault at."
Robynson (More's Utopia).
Syn. -- -- Error; blemish; defect; imperfection; weakness; blunder;
failing; vice. -- Fault, Failing, Defect, Foible. A fault is positive,
something morally wrong; a failing is negative, some weakness or
falling short in a man's character, disposition, or habits; a defect is
also negative, and as applied to character is the absence of anything
which is necessary to its completeness or perfection; a foible is a
less important weakness, which we overlook or smile at. A man may have
many failings, and yet commit but few faults; or his faults and
failings may be few, while his foibles are obvious to all. The faults
of a friend are often palliated or explained away into mere defects,
and the defects or foibles of an enemy exaggerated into faults. "I have
failings in common with every human being, besides my own peculiar
faults; but of avarice I have generally held myself guiltless." Fox.
"Presumption and self-applause are the foibles of mankind." Waterland.
Fault (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Faulted; p. pr. & vb. n. Faulting.] 1.
To charge with a fault; to accuse; to find fault with; to blame. [Obs.]
For that I will not fault thee.
Old Song.
2. (Geol.) To interrupt the continuity of (rock strata) by displacement
along a plane of fracture; -- chiefly used in the p. p.; as, the coal
beds are badly faulted.