The action or an act of falling physically (in various senses of fall, v. I., II., and III.); dropping from a height; descent; toppling; collapse.

figurative. Departure from a given state or course; falling away; secession, desertion, apostasy.

The action or an act of abandoning one's faith, religion, or moral duty; backsliding; apostasy.

Breach of duty or violation of trust in the exercise of an office; corrupt action, esp. in a court of law. Obsolete.

The quality of being recreant; apostasy, treachery; mean-spiritedness.