■ noun
1》 a brief failure of concentration, memory, or judgement.
↘a decline from previously high standards.
2》 an interval of time.
3》 Law the termination of a right or privilege through disuse or failure to follow appropriate procedures.
■ verb
1》 (of a right, privilege, or agreement) become invalid because it is not used, claimed, or renewed.
2》 cease to follow the rules and practices of a religion or doctrine.
3》 ( ~ into ) pass gradually into (a different, often worse, state or condition).
Origin
ME: from L. lapsus , from labi 'to slip or fall'.