defection
(dɪˈfɛkʃən)
In 6 defeccion.
[ad. L. dēfectiōn-em desertion, revolt, failure, eclipse, deficiency, fainting, etc., n. of action from L. dēficĕre: see defect v. Cf. F. défection (in OF. 13–15th c., and in mod.F. 18–19th c., but obs. in 16th c., when the Eng. word was adopted from L.).]
1. The action or fact of failing, falling short or becoming defective; failure (of anything).
| 1544 T. Phaer Regim. Lyfe (1553) G vj b, Mani times foloweth defeccion of the strength. 1576 Fleming Panopl. Epist. 36 You..suffer no defection of your renoune, nor eclipse of dignitie. 1650 Fuller Pisgah ii. 62 The stopping of the waters [of Jordan] above must necessarily command their defection beneath. 1655–60 Stanley Hist. Philos. (1701) 29/2 As soon as he remembred these words, he fell into a great defection of Spirit. 1853 C. Brontë Villette xxiv, I underwent..miserable defections of hope, intolerable encroachments of despair. 1874 H. R. Reynolds John Bapt. iii. §1. 129 All the cumbrous ceremonial might be strictly attended to without flaw or defection. |
† b. spec. Failure of vitality; a fainting away or swooning. Obs.
| 1615 Crooke Body of Man 417 The vrine that hee auoyded in his defections or swounds. 1684 tr. Bonet's Merc. Compit. xix. 680 It may be sometimes good in sudden Defections of the Soul to sprinkle cold water on the Face. |
† c. Imperfection, defectiveness; an instance of this, a defect. Obs.
| 1576 Fleming Panopl. Epist. 273 In whom, if there be any defection..it is to be referred to Nature. 1651 Life Father Sarpi (1676) 93 He himself in his anatomy of his affections and defections..acknowledges himself to be severe. 1656 Blount Glossogr., Defection..an infirmity. 1677 Hale Contempl. ii. 38 The Light of Nature shews us, that there is a great defection and disorder in our Natures. |
2. The action of falling away from allegiance or adherence to a leader, party, or cause; desertion.
| 1552 Huloet, Defection, properly wheras an armye doth forsake their owne captayne. 1583 Stubbes Anat. Abus. ii. (1882) 92 After the defection of Iudas the traitour. 1653 H. Cogan tr. Pinto's Trav. lxx. 284 Fearing lest the defection of his souldiers should daily more and more increase. 1670 R. Coke Disc. Trade Pref., When the United Netherlands made their defection from the Crown of Spain. 1777 Robertson Hist. Amer. (1778) II. vi. 251 A spirit of defection had already begun to spread among those whom he trusted most. 1884 Nonconf. & Indep. 21 Feb. 186/3 The Liberal defection on Wednesday morning was..small. |
3. A falling away from faith, religion, duty, or virtue; backsliding; apostasy.
| 1546 Bale Eng. Votaries ii. (R.), Suche a defection from Christ as Saint Paul speketh of. 1549 Latimer 5th Serm. bef. Edw. VI (Arb.) 132 Also the defection is come and swaruinge from the fayth. 1612 T. Taylor Comm. Titus ii. 1 The Lord for this end permitteth many generall defections and corruptions. 1677 Hale Prim. Orig. Man. iv. vii. 355 The defection and disobedience of the first Man, which brought Death into the World. 1738 Warburton Div. Legat. I. 287 Their frequent Defections into Idolatry. 1772 Priestley Inst. Relig. (1782) I. 300 The times of defection and idolatry. 1882 Farrar Early Chr. II. 436 For each such defection we must find forgiveness. |
Hence deˈfectionist, one who advocates defection.
| 1846 Worcester cites Morn. Chron. |