The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Default \De*fault"\, n. [OE. defaute, OF. defaute, defalte,
   fem., F. d['e]faut, masc., LL. defalta, fr. a verb meaning,
   to be deficient, to want, fail, fr. L. de- + fallere to
   deceive. See Fault.]
   1. 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.
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   2. Fault; offense; ill deed; wrong act; failure in virtue or
      wisdom.
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            And pardon craved for his so rash default.
                                                  --Spenser.
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            Regardless of our merit or default.   --Pope.
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   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.
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   In default of, in case of failure or lack of.
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            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.
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