[lapse] n [L lapsus, fr. labi to slip--more at sleep] (1526) 1 a: a slight error typically due to forgetfulness or inattention "a ~ in table manners" b: a temporary deviation or fall esp. from a higher to a lower state "a ~ from grace"
2: a becoming less: decline 3 a (1): the termination of a right or privilege through neglect to exercise it within some limit of time (2): termination of coverage for nonpayment of premiums b: interruption, discontinuance "returned to college after a ~ of several years"
4: an abandonment of religious faith: apostasy
5: a passage of time; also: interval syn see error
[2]lapse vb lapsed ; laps.ing vi (1611) 1 a: to fall from an attained and usu. high level (as of morals or manners) to one much lower; also: to depart from an accepted pattern or standard b: to sink or slip gradually: subside "lapsed into unconsciousness"
2: to go out of existence: cease "after a few polite exchanges, the conversation lapsed"
3: to pass from one proprietor to another or from an original owner by omission or negligence "allowed the insurance policy to ~"
4. a: to glide along: pass "time ~s" ~ vt: to let slip: forfeit "all of those who have lapsed their membership --AAUP Bull." -- laps.er n