n. & v.
n. (usu. foll. by of) an absence, want, or deficiency (a lack of talent; felt the lack of warmth).
v.tr. be without or deficient in (lacks courage). for lack of owing to the absence of (went hungry for lack of money). lack for lack.
[ ME lac, lacen, corresp. to MDu., MLG lak deficiency, MDu. laken to lack ]