LAPSE (2)

lapse (2). Lapse, n. a slip, error, oversight, fall, course

---

Lapse, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lapsed (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Lapsing.] 1. 1. To pass slowly and smoothly downward, backward, or away; to slip downward, backward, or away; to glide; — mostly restricted to figurative uses.
A tendency to lapse into the barbarity of those northern nations from whom we are descended. Swift. Homer, in his characters of Vulcan and Thersites, has lapsed into the burlesque character. Addison. 2. 2. To slide or slip in moral conduct; to fail in duty; to fall from virtue; to deviate from rectitude; to commit a fault by inadvertence or mistake.
To lapse in fullness Is sorer than to lie for need. Shak. 3. 3. (Law) (a) To fall or pass from one proprietor to another, or from the original destination, by the omission, negligence, or failure of some one, as a patron, a legatee, etc. (b) To become ineffectual or void; to fall.
If the archbishop shall not fill it up within six months ensuing, it lapses to the king. Ayliffe.