{"id":360135,"date":"2013-01-28T16:34:14","date_gmt":"2013-01-28T21:34:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dictionary\/definition\/default.html"},"modified":"2013-01-28T16:34:14","modified_gmt":"2013-01-28T21:34:14","slug":"default","status":"publish","type":"dictionary","link":"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/default.html","title":{"rendered":"Default"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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n<\/p><\/dt>\n

[Anglo-French defalte<\/i> defaute<\/i> lack, fault, failure to answer a summons, from defaillir<\/i> to be lacking, fail, from de<\/i>-, intensive prefix + faillir<\/i> to fail]
1<\/b> :<\/b> failure to do something required by duty (as under a contract or by law): as
a<\/b> :<\/b> failure to comply with the terms of a loan agreement or security agreement esp. with regard to payment of the debt
b<\/b> in the civil law of Louisiana<\/i>
:<\/b> a delay in performing under a contract that is recognized by the other party NOTE: 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. <\/i>
2<\/b> :<\/b> failure to defend against a claim in court (as by failing to file pleadings or to appear in court) see also default judgment<\/i> at judgment<\/a>
default vb<\/i>
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de·fault·er n<\/i>
<\/b><\/i>

in default<\/b>
:<\/b> in the condition of having defaulted
<\/b><\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Source: Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law \u00a91996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Related Terms from the Divorce and Family Law Glossary<\/h2>\n\t\n\t
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