fault

FAULT, noun [See Fail.] 1. Properly, an erring or missing; a failing; hence, an error or mistake; a blunder; a defect; a blemish; whatever impairs excellence; applied to things. 2. In morals or deportment, any error or defect; an imperfection; any deviation from propriety; a slight offense; a neglect of duty or propriety, resulting from inattention or want of prudence, rather than from design to injure or offend, but liable to censure or objection. I do remember my faults this day. Genesis 41:9. If a man be overtaken in a fault ye who are spiritual, restore such as one in the spirit of meekness. Galatians 6:1. FAULT implies wrong, and often some degree of criminality. 3. Defect; want; absence. [Not now used. See Default.] I could tell to thee, as to one if pleases me, for fault of a better to call my friend. 4. Puzzle; difficulty. Among sportsmen, when dogs lose the scent, they are said to be at fault Hence the phrase, the inquirer is at fault 5. In mining, a fissure in strata, causing a dislocation of the same, and thus interrupting the course of veins. To find fault to express blame; to complain. Thou wilt say then, why doth he yet find fault? Romans 9:19. To find fault with, to blame; to censure; as, to find fault with the times, or with a neighbor's conduct. FAULT, verb intransitive To fail; to be wrong. [Not used.] FAULT, verb transitive To charge with a fault; to accuse. For that I will not fault thee.