n. & v.
--n.
1. a slight error; a slip of memory etc.
2 a weak or careless decline into an inferior state.
3 (foll. by of) an interval or passage of time (after a lapse of three years).
4 Law the termination of a right or privilege through disuse or failure to follow appropriate procedures.
--v.intr.
1. fail to maintain a position or standard.
2 (foll. by into) fall back into an inferior or previous state.
3 (of a right or privilege etc.) become invalid because it is not used or claimed or renewed.
4 (as lapsed adj.) (of a person or thing) that has lapsed.
Phrases and idioms:
lapse rate Meteorol. the rate at which the temperature falls with increasing altitude.
Derivatives:
lapser n.
Etymology: L lapsus f. labi laps- glide, slip, fall