bankrupt

BANK'RUPT, n. [Eng.rout,defeat. This

may signify bench-broken, or bank-broken; most probably the latter, referring to the fund or stock. The last syllable is the Latin ruptus contracted; Norm.roupt,rous,broken.]

1. A trader who secretes himself, or does certain other acts tending to defraud his creditors.

2. In a less technical sense, a trader who fails or becomes unable to pay his just debts; an insolvent trader. In strictness, no person but a trader can be a bankrupt. Bankruptcy is applied to merchants and traders; insolvency, to other persons.

BANK'RUPT, a. Having committed acts of bankruptcy; unable to pay just debts; insolvent.

BANK'RUPT, v.t. To break one in trade; to make insolvent.