LAPSE

I. noun see: sleep Date: 1526 1. a slight error typically due to forgetfulness or inattention , a temporary deviation or fall especially from a higher to a lower state , a becoming less ; decline , 3. a. the termination of a right or privilege through neglect to exercise it within some limit of time, termination of coverage for nonpayment of premiums, interruption, discontinuance , an abandonment of religious faith ; apostasy , a passage of time, see: error II. verb (~d; lapsing) Date: 1611 intransitive verb 1. to fall from an attained and usually high level (as of morals or manners) to one much lower, sink , slip , to go out of existence ; cease , to pass from one proprietor to another or from an original owner by omission or negligence , to glide along ; pass , transitive verb to let slip ; forfeit , ~r noun