Default

Definition - Noun
[Anglo-French defalte defaute lack, fault, failure to answer a summons, from defaillir to be lacking, fail, from de-, intensive prefix + faillir to fail]
1  : failure to do something required by duty (as under a contract or by law): as
a  : failure to comply with the terms of a loan agreement or security agreement esp. with regard to payment of the debt
b  in the civil law of Louisiana : a delay in performing under a contract that is recognized by the other party
A party whose performance under a contract is delayed is not automatically in default. Rather, the law of Louisiana requires that the other party «put him or her in default" by a written or witnessed oral request for performance, by filing suit, or by invoking a specific provision in the contract. Moratory damages may be recoverable for loss caused by the delay.
2  : failure to defend against a claim in court (as by failing to file pleadings or to appear in court)
see also default judgment at judgment
: in the condition of having defaulted
Pronunciationdi-'fo'lt, 'dE-"fo'lt

Pronunciation Key

  • \&\ as a and u in a b ut
  • \[^&]\ as e in kitt en
  • \&r\ as ur and er in f urther
  • \a\ as a inash
  • \A\ as a in ace
  • \Š\ as o in m op
  • \au\ as ou in ou t
  • \ch\ as ch in ch in
  • \e\ as e in bet
  • \E\ as ea in easy
  • \g\ as g in go
  • \i\ as i in hit
    		•
  • \I\ as i in ice
  • \j\ as j in job
  • \[ng]\ as ng in sing
  • \O\ as o in go
  • \o\ as aw in law
  • \oi\ as oy in boy
  • \th\ as th in thin
  • \[th_]\ as thin the
  • \Ÿ\ as oo in loot
  • \u\ as oo in foot
  • \y\ as y in yet
  • \zh\ as si in vision
    		•


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    Based on Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©2001.
    Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
    Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.
    http://www.m-w.com    		 Merriam-Webster

    slight negligence

    failure to exercise the great degree of care typical of an extraordinarily prudent person


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