Re*lapse" (r?-l?ps"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Relapsed (-l?pst"); p. pr. & vb. n. Relapsing.] [L.relapsus, p. p. of relabi to slip back, to relapse; pref. re- re- + labi to fall, slip, slide. See Lapse.]
1.
To slip or slide back, in a literal sense; to turn back.
[Obs.]
Dryden.
2.
To slide or turn back into a former state or practice; to fall back from some condition attained; -- generally in a bad sense, as from a state of convalescence or amended condition; as, to relaps into a stupor, into vice, or into barbarism; -- sometimes in a good sense; as, to relapse into slumber after being disturbed.
That task performed, [preachers] relapse into themselves.
Cowper.
3. Theol.
To fall from Christian faith into paganism, heresy, or unbelief; to backslide.
They enter into the justified state, and so continue all along, unless they relapse.
Waterland.
© Webster 1913.
Re*lapse", n. [For sense 2 cf. F. relaps. See Relapse, v.]
1.
A sliding or falling back, especially into a former bad state, either of body or morals; backsliding; the state of having fallen back.
Alas! from what high hope to what relapse
Unlooked for are we fallen!
Milton.
2.
One who has relapsed, or fallen back, into error; a backlider; specifically, one who, after recanting error, returns to it again.
[Obs.]
© Webster 1913.