FAULT, n. [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. Gen. 41.If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye who are spiritual, restore such as one in the spirit of meekness. Gal. 6.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? Rom 9.To find fault with, to blame; to censure; as, to find fault with the times, or with a neighbor's conduct.FAULT, v.i. To fail; to be wrong. [Not used.] FAULT, v.t. To charge with a fault; to accuse. For that I will not fault thee.
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