De*fect" (?), 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.

Errors have been corrected, and defects supplied. Davies.

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.

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

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

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

 

© Webster 1913.


De*fect", v. i.

To fail; to become deficient.

[Obs.] "Defected honor."

Warner.

<-- 2. Abandon one country or faction, and join another. -->

 

© Webster 1913.


De*fect", v. t.

To injure; to damage.

"None can my life defect." [R.]

Troubles of Q. Elizabeth (1639).

 

© Webster 1913.