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.