GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

  1.       
    
    Defect , n. [L. defectus, fr. deficere, defectum, to desert, fail, be wanting; de- + facere to make, do. See Fact, Feat, and cf. Deficit.]
    1. Want or absence of something necessary for completeness or perfection; deficiency; -- opposed to superfluity.
      1913 Webster

      Errors have been corrected, and defects supplied.
      Davies.

      1913 Webster

    2. Failing; fault; imperfection, whether physical or moral; blemish; as, a defect in the ear or eye; a defect in timber or iron; a defect of memory or judgment.
      1913 Webster

      Trust not yourself; but, your defects to know,
      Make use of every friend -- and every foe.
      Pope.

      1913 Webster

      Among boys little tenderness is shown to personal defects.
      Macaulay.

      Syn. -- Deficiency; imperfection; blemish. See Fault.

      1913 Webster

  2.       
    
    Defect, v. i. To fail; to become deficient. [Obs.]Defected honor.”
    Warner.

    1913 Webster
    1. to abandon one country or faction, and join another.
      PJC
  3.       
    
    Defect, v. t. To injure; to damage. “None can my life defect.” [R.]
    Troubles of Q. Elizabeth (1639).

    1913 Webster