De*fec"tion (?), n. [L. defectio: cf. F. d'efection. See Defect.]
Act of abandoning a person or cause to which one is bound by allegiance or duty, or to which one has attached himself; desertion; failure in duty; a falling away; apostasy; backsliding.
"
Defection and falling away from God."
Sir W. Raleigh.
The general defection of the whole realm.
Sir J. Davies.
© Webster 1913.