Dictionary-Definition.com :: Lapsed definition

Definition of 'lapsed'

adjective

No longer active or practicing; "a lapsed Catholic" [syn: lapsed, nonchurchgoing]

From: GCIDE

Lapse \Lapse\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lapsed; p. pr. & vb. n. Lapsing.]
1. To pass slowly and smoothly downward, backward, or away; to slip downward, backward, or away; to glide; -- mostly restricted to figurative uses. [1913 Webster]
A tendency to lapse into the barbarity of those northern nations from whom we are descended. --Swift. [1913 Webster]
Homer, in his characters of Vulcan and Thersites, has lapsed into the burlesque character. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
To lapse in fullness Is sorer than to lie for need. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
If the archbishop shall not fill it up within six months ensuing, it lapses to the king. --Ayliffe. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Lapsed \Lapsed\, a.
1. Having slipped downward, backward, or away; having lost position, privilege, etc., by neglect; -- restricted to figurative uses. [1913 Webster]
Once more I will renew His lapsed powers, though forfeit. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
2. Ineffectual, void, or forfeited; as, a lapsed policy of insurance; a lapsed legacy. [1913 Webster]
Lapsed devise, Lapsed legacy (Law), a devise, or legacy, which fails to take effect in consequence of the death of the devisee, or legatee, before that of the testator, or for other cause. --Wharton (Law Dict.). [1913 Webster]