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.

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