And pardon craved for his so rash default.
Spenser.
Regardless of our merit or default.
Pope.
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.
In default of, in case of failure or lack of.
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.
De*fault", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Defaulted; p. pr. & vb. n. Defaulting.] 1. To fail in duty; to offend.
That he gainst courtesy so foully did default.
Spenser.