faultn.
/fɔːlt/, /fɒlt/, U.S. /fɔlt/, /fɑlt/ a. Deficiency, lack, scarcity, want of (something specified). rare in plural. Also used absol. (like want) = want of food or necessaries. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > insufficiency > [noun] > deficiency, lack, or shortage
wanec888
trokingc1175
want?c1225
defaultc1300
trokea1325
fault1340
lacking1377
scarcityc1380
wantingc1390
absencea1398
bresta1400
defect?a1425
lack?c1425
defailing1502
mank?a1513
inlaik1562
defection1576
inlaiking1595
vacuity1601
deficience1605
lossa1616
failancea1627
deficiency1634
shortness1669
falling shorta1680
miss1689
wantage1756
shortage1868
the world > food and drink > food > consumption of food or drink > appetite > hunger > [noun] > scarcity of food or famine
hungerc1000
dear1297
deartha1325
fault1340
famine1362
barrennessa1425
affaminea1450
enfaminea1450
wantc1450
scarceness1481
Lang Reeda1525
famishment1526
cleanness of teeth1560
breadlessness1860
1340–70 Alex. & Dind. 303 & whan we faren to fed we finde no faute.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 5385 Faut o bred was in þat tide.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4504 Man þat..thoru his welth, na fautes felis.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 7628 He fande faute of honeste.
14.. Pol. Rel. & L. Poems (1866) 95 The pore, for faute late þem not spylle!
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) ix. 318 [He] has the castell tan, Throu falt [1489 Adv. faute] of vach.
a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Preaching of Swallow l. 1836 in Poems (1981) 71 The foulis fair, for falt thay fell off feit.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. clix. 193 They had gret faut in their hoost of vitayle.
?1591 T. Coningsby Jrnl. Siege Rouen (Harl. 288) 30 in Camden Misc. (1847) I You would have thoughte there had bene noe faulte of men.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > management of money > keeping accounts > account or statement of > [noun] > account book > difference between sides > specific
foot1433
fault1665
rest1670
balance (in hand)1771
account balance1789
carryover1873
carryforward1894
overrun1899
carryback1941
1665 S. Pepys Diary 20 Mar. (1972) VI. 61 He..is ready to lay down in ready money the fault of his account.
c. for (the) fault of: in default of; in the absence of; through deficiency or want of. Also without for (after French faute de). Now archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > non-possession > non-possession [phrase] > through lack of
for (the) fault ofc1290
for default ofc1300
for (occasionally by, from, through) lack ofc1386
for want ofa1425
in want of1556
in defect of1563
in failance ofa1627
in neglect of1807
c1290 S. Eng. Leg. I. 397/154 His fon haueþ moch of his lond for þe faute of þe y-nome.
c1330 Arth. & Merl. 7834 Ded me weren leuer by Ihesus Than he starf for faut of ous.
c1386 G. Chaucer Squire's Tale 435 She swouned..for faute of blood.
c1420 Pallad. on Husb. iv. 699 For faute of that gete other thinges goode.
1480 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 56 For the favte of sweche issue the remandyre therof to the next heyre.
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1546) sig. N.iij Rome is fallen..not for faute of money and armes.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 ii. ii. 35 One it pleases me for fault of a better to call my friend. View more context for this quotation
1620 Hist. Frier Rush sig. D4 His Masters shoone..for fault of greasing..were very hard.
1685 tr. B. Gracián y Morales Courtiers Oracle 221 Seriousness is wanting, for fault of which great qualities have no lustre in them.
1792 R. Burns in J. Johnson Scots Musical Museum IV. 323 We'll ne'er stray for faute o' light.
1867 R. W. Emerson May-day & Other Pieces 141 And, fault of novel germs, Mature the unfallen fruit.
1874 A. C. Swinburne Bothwell (1882) ii. xiv. 195 Though it be evil made for fault of time.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > [noun] > not an act or failure to act
faultc1325
failancea1627
non-act1645
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > [adverb]
(it is) no fail (but)1297
alsaufc1300
without lackc1300
without (any) faultc1325
sickerly1340
without lipsea1380
surelyc1380
for, without (any) failinga1382
sure?a1475
securely1597
c1325 Coer de L. 1214 Thou schalt..have..folk inowe with thee; In us schall no fawte bee.
1389 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 34 Who-so..be nouthe þere..he schal paie a pound of wax for is faute.
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 60 If ye wole telle me your name with out ony faute, I shal telle yow myn also.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) ix. 215 Now shall they be honged to morowe wythoute fawte.
c1500 Melusine (1895) 318 My swete loue..there shal be no fawte of it.
1502 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 92 For fawte of thithing and offryng nectly~gently forgotyn iij s. iiij d.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. xviii. 22 Your ennemies.. be within iii. myle of you..ther shall ye fynde them without faulte.
1587 L. Mascall Bk. Cattell (1627) 182 They are bred by euill meate, and fault of drinking good water.
3. A defect, imperfection, blameable quality or feature.
a. in moral character. (Expressing a milder censure than vice.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > corruption > instance of corruption > [noun]
unthewc897
lastOE
vicea1300
misthewa1325
fault1377
mistetch?c1450
depravity1641
vitiosity1643
cachexy1652
misteach1803
vileness1863
unvirtue1869
society > morality > moral evil > evil nature or character > [noun] > state of having moral defects > moral defect
lackc1200
vice1338
default1340
fault1377
infirmity1382
wallet1528
flaw1586
failing1590
leak1597
delinquency1606
tare?1608
shortcominga1687
the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > imperfection > [noun] > an imperfection > defect or fault or flaw > other
fault1377
error1398
scar1583
flawc1616
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xi. 209 Ne vnder-nym nouȝte foule for is none with-oute faute.
c1420 Chron. Vilod. 1226 In me fforsothe no fauȝt þer nys.
c1475 (?c1400) Apol. Lollard Doctr. (1842) 100 We are not so sikir þat we be wiþ out faut, error, and vnkunning.
1587 J. Higgins Mirour for Magistrates (new ed.) i. Porrex. f. 44 Can I excuse my selfe deuoyde of faut.
1642 T. Fuller Holy State iv. xiv. 308 That godly King..had some defects, but few faults.
1786 R. Burns Poems 200 There's ae wee faut they whiles lay to me, I like the lasses.
a1790 B. Franklin Autobiogr. (1981) ii. 87 A benevolent Man should allow a few Faults in himself.
1846 W. S. Landor Imaginary Conversat. in Wks. I. 464/1 Great men too often have greater faults than little men can find room for.
1857 D. Livingstone Missionary Trav. S. Afr. ii. 44 His independence and love of the English were his only faults.
b. in physical or intellectual constitution, appearance, structure, workmanship, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > imperfection > [noun] > an imperfection > defect or fault or flaw
faultc1320
breckc1369
villainyc1400
offencec1425
defectc1450
defection1526
vitiosity1538
faintness1543
gall1545
eelist1549
mar1551
hole1553
blemish1555
wart1603
flaw1604
mulct1632
wound1646
failurea1656
misfeature1818
bug1875
out1886
c1320 Seuyn Sag. (W.) 120 The fairest man..Withouten faute fra heid to fote.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 18 The commyn fautys & mysordurys of the same.
1599 J. Minsheu Pleasant Dialogues Spanish & Eng. 57 in R. Percyvall & J. Minsheu Spanish Gram. The women generally..have three faults..little eies, great mouthes, and not very smooth skinne.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xvii. 86 Do not see..any fault, in the administration of their common businesse.
1675 Duke of Buckingham Ess. Poetry 74 Where can one [song] be seen without a fault?
1726 J. Swift Cadenus & Vanessa 27 She own'd the wand'ring of her Thoughts, But he must answer for her Faults.
1884 tr. H. Lotze Logic 197 An essential fault of the Pythagorean theory.
c. In phrase to a fault (qualifying an adjective): to such an extent that it becomes a fault; excessively, extremely.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > sufficient quantity, amount, or degree > excessive amount or degree > excessively [phrase]
too welleOE
too muchc1449
to faultiness1530
but too‥1639
over and above1732
to a fault1753
only too1817
1753 Scots Mag. Jan. 41/1 This was good-natur'd to a fault.
1762 O. Goldsmith Life R. Nash 84 She was..generous to a fault.
1849 D. G. Mitchell Battle Summer (1852) 140 His dress is plain to a fault.
d. Comm. with all faults (now sometimes abbreviated ‘A.F.’ or ‘Job A.F.’): with all defects, i.e. the seller will not be answerable for them.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > merchandise > article(s) to be sold > [phrase] > with all defects
with all faults1716
1716 London Gaz. No. 5400/4 To be taken away with all Faults.
1894 Times (Weekly ed.) 22 June p. iii/4 A first folio Shakespeare, imperfect, and sold with all faults, realized £255.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > breaking or cracking > [noun] > a crack or breach > a partial fracture or crack
crazing1388
fault?1518
craze1587
crack1590
flaw1615
society > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > formation > [noun] > line > gap
fault1699
?1518 A. Barclay Fyfte Eglog sig. Av Stoppe all the holes, where thou can fautes se.
1609 C. Butler Feminine Monarchie iii. sig. D2v First lift vp the stalles..then setting them downe againe..mend all brackes and faults about them.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) iv. ii. 33 Patches set vpon a little breach, Discredite more in hiding of the fault . View more context for this quotation
1699 True Relation Sir T. Morgan's Progress France 8 Major-General Morgan, observing the Enemy mending Faults, and opening the Intervals of the Foot, to bring Horse in.
5. Something wrongly done. Phrase, to commit (rarely do, make) a fault.
a. In moral sense: A dereliction of duty; a misdeed, transgression, offence. Also occasionally Delinquency in general, ‘something wrong’.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > wrongful deed > [noun]
misdeedeOE
guilt971
evilOE
follya1275
trespassc1290
errorc1330
illa1340
untetchea1375
offencec1384
crimec1390
forfeit1393
faultc1400
demerit1485
disorder1581
misfeasancea1626
misactiona1667
trespassage1874
society > morality > moral evil > wrong conduct > evildoing or wrongdoing > [noun] > an evil deed > an evil deed, fault, or offence
sinc825
guilt971
man deedOE
evilOE
misbodea1200
follya1275
unthrift1303
misbreydec1380
offencec1384
crimec1390
forfeit1393
felonya1400
faultc1400
misfeatc1400
feat1481
demerit1485
misdemeanoura1513
facta1533
piaculum1575
miscarriage1579
delinquishment1593
delinquency1603
piacle1644
amissness1648
peccancy1648
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 177 For fele fautez may a freke forfete his blysse.
a1450 Knt. de la Tour (1868) 66 Forto clense her of sertaine fauutes that she had done.
?1518 A. Barclay Fyfte Eglog sig. Aij Faustus..To them imputynge, grete fautes.
1549 R. Crowley Voyce Laste Trumpet sig. Bviv Wyncke not at faltes.
1611 Bible (King James) Gen. xli. 9 I doe remember my faults this day. View more context for this quotation
1748 Bp. J. Butler Serm. in Wks. (1874) II. 310 Distresses..brought upon persons by their own faults.
a1853 F. W. Robertson Serm. (1857) 3rd Ser. xvii. 219 A restless, undefinable sense of fault.
1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) III. 250 A fault which is most serious, I said; the fault of telling a lie.
b. A failure in what is attempted; a slip, error, mistake. Now somewhat rare; ‘lady teachers often use it in marking school exercises (after French faute)’ ( N.E.D.). In early use esp. †a clerical error or misprint.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > disregard for truth, falsehood > lack of truth, falsity > an error, mistake > [noun]
misnimming?c1225
errora1340
defaulta1387
balkc1430
fault1523
jeofail1546
errat1548
trip1548
naught1557
missa1568
missinga1568
slide1570
snappera1572
amiss1576
mistaking1579
misprize1590
mistake1600
berry-block1603
solecism1603
fallibility1608
stumblea1612
blota1657
slur1662
incorrectnessa1771
bumble1823
skew1869
(to make) a false step1875
slip-up1909
ricket1958
bad1981
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > disregard for truth, falsehood > inaccuracy, inexactness > incorrectness of language > [noun] > error in written mode > instance of
miswriting1430
falsehoodc1440
fault1523
escape1570
erratum1589
errat1654
misprint1813
mis-script1817
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. Author's Pref. If any faute be in this my rude translacyon.
1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse Ep. Ded. sig. Aiiv If faultes escape,..with penne spedely amende it.
1583 C. Hollyband Campo di Fior 359 Leave more space betwene both lines. That there maye be place to mende your faultes.
1633 Campion's Hist. Ireland 139 Faults escaped.
1701 D. Defoe True-born Englishman Pref. The Book is Printed; and tho I see some Faults, 'tis too late to mend them.
1725 I. Watts Logick iii. iii There must be some fault in the deduction.
1774 O. Goldsmith Grecian Hist. II. i. 36 The other army..had made another fault, not less considerable.
1845 J. T. Graves Rom. Law in Encycl. Metrop. 775/1 The..faults of the Florentine MS. are corrected.
c. spec. in Rackets and Tennis. A faulty stroke; a stroke in which the server fails to make the ball fall within the prescribed limits.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > racket games > [noun] > types of play or stroke
fault1599
back-hand1657
serving1688
let1819
return1832
ace1840
error1877
rally1879
knock-up1884
drop1900
kill1903
soft kill1910
angle shot1911
retrieve1913
length1924
put-away1932
1599 G. Chapman Humerous Dayes Myrth sig. E2 I gaue him fifteene and all his faults.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Bisque, a fault at Tennis.
1679 T. Shadwell True Widow i. 8 We'll play with you at a Bisk, and a fault, for twenty pound.
1886 H. F. Wilkinson in Encycl. Brit. XX. 210/2 [article Rackets] Two consecutive faults put a hand out.
1888 J. Marshall in Encycl. Brit. XXIII. 182/2 [article Tennis] It is a fault if the service be delivered from the wrong court.
6.
a. to find (a) fault: to discover or perceive a fault (senses 3 – 5) in a person or thing.
ΚΠ
a1375 Lay Folks Mass Bk. App. iv. 479 Faute þer~Inne ȝif þat he fynde Mak no scornynge me be-hynde.
c1400 Rom. Rose 3837 Grete faute in thee now have I founde.
c1440 York Myst. xx. 183 Fautez nowe are founden fele.
?1566–7 G. Buchanan Opinion Reformation Univ. St. Andros in Vernacular Writings (1892) 9 Geif the regent find falt quhairof the nomenclator has nocht advertysit hym.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 29. ¶3 The only Fault I find in our present Practice.
1841 E. W. Lane tr. Thousand & One Nights I. 63 If he find any fault in her within three days.
b. Hence, idiomatically, to find fault (with, †at): to express dissatisfaction (with), criticize unfavourably, censure.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > criticism > criticize [verb (transitive)]
reprehendc1400
murmur1424
discommenda1500
belack1531
to find fault (with, at)c1540
scan?c1550
fault1563
pinch1567
to lift or move a lip1579
raign1581
reflect1605
criminate1645
criticize1652
nick1668
critic1697
chop1712
stricture1851
to get on to ——1895
chip1898
rap1899
nitpick1956
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 4850 Rule vs by rightwisnes..þat no fawte with vs founden be.
1588 J. Udall State Church of Eng. sig. B Finding faut with him for one thing or another.
1593 Tell-Trothes New-yeares Gift (1876) 9 A man will finde fault without cause.
1611 Bible (King James) Mark vii. 2 When they saw some of his disciples eate bread with defiled..hands, they found fault . View more context for this quotation
1656 Disc. Auxiliary Beauty (1662) 4 Eyes..over-curious to find fault at Art.
1741 C. Middleton Hist. Life Cicero (ed. 3) III. xi. 257 You find fault with me.
1776 J. Bentham Fragm. on Govt. Pref. p. xiv If nothing is ever to be found fault with, nothing will ever be mended.
1871 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues I. 155 I am not given to finding fault.
1892 T. W. Erle in Law Times 93 417/2 No fault was found with my suggestions.
7.
a.
(a) With reference to persons: Culpability; the blame or responsibility of causing or permitting some untoward occurrence; the wrongdoing or negligence to which a specified evil is attributable. to be in (†one's, †the) fault: to be to blame. †to lay, put (a) fault †in, upon: to impute blame to. †to bear the fault: to bear the blame. it is my (his, etc.) fault: I am (he is, etc.) the person to blame for what has happened.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > guilt > [noun]
sakeOE
wite?c1225
blame1297
guiltc1330
fault1377
culpablenessc1380
guiltinessc1480
guiltyship1557
faultiness1571
fact1583
blameworthinessa1586
delinquishment1593
obnoxiousness1610
nocency1611
delinquence1613
nocence1614
piacle1619
deliquity1682
society > morality > moral evil > guilt > [noun] > responsibility for wrong
guilt11..
unmethelOE
fault1377
blame1393
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. x. 103 And leyden fautes vpon þe fader þat fourmed vs alle.
1530 E. Crome in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) III. App. x. 20 I doo nott putt fawte in no man.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 429/2 I am..in the faute that a thyng is a mysse, jay tort.
1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Northumberland xix This was my hap, my fortune, or my fawte.
1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 290 He will be found in his fault, that wantis.
1600 E. Blount tr. G. F. di Conestaggio Hist. Uniting Portugall to Castill 206 To lay the faulte upon Anthony.
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. iv. xi. sig. Ee6 Their Superiours are in the fault.
1700 S. L. tr. C. Schweitzer Relation Voy. in tr. C. Frick & C. Schweitzer Relation Two Voy. E.-Indies 349 The Master was in all the fault.
1715 D. Defoe Family Instructor I. i. v. 113 Lay the Fault on me.
1726–31 N. Tindal tr. P. Rapin de Thoyras Hist. Eng. (1743) II. xvii. 675 Who are in the greatest faults.
1744 A. Pope Epist. to Several Persons ii. 28 Let Blood and Body bear the fault.
1756 tr. J. G. Keyssler Trav. I. 259 All is lost, but not through any fault of mine.
a1839 W. M. Praed Poems (1864) II. 22 When weak poets go astray, ‘The stars are more in fault than they’.
1846 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) ii. 9 It will be our own faults if we lose sight of this one.
1884 F. M. Crawford Rom. Singer (ed. 2) I. 1 It was not any fault of mine.
(b) In plural, following a possessive adjective referring to two or more persons.
ΚΠ
1738 Common Sense (1739) II. 242 Where this happens, it is their own Faults.
1774 W. Mitford Ess. Harmony Lang. 228 It is our own faults if we err greatly.
b. The defect, the ‘something wrong’ (in things, conditions, etc.) to which a specified evil is attributable. (Phrases as in 7a(a).)
ΚΠ
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) iii. 298 Giff..he yaroff failȝe Ye fawt may be in his trawailȝe.
1590 J. Smythe Certain Disc. Weapons 21 By the negligence of the Harquebuziers..or by the fault of the touch-boxes.
1656 H. Phillippes Purchasers Pattern (1676) 15 The fault lies in those false rules and customs.
1803 T. Beddoes Hygëia III. xi. 15 Rich sauces eaten in profusion..are very frequently in fault.
1807 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 17 244 The fault..is not in the practitioner but in the patient.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 60 Creatures voiceless thro' the fault of birth.
8.
a. Hunting. A break in the line of scent; loss of scent; a check caused by failure of scent. †cold fault: cold or lost scent. to be, †fall at (a) fault: to overrun the line of scent owing to its irregularity or failure; to lose or be off the scent or track. to hit off a fault: to recover a lost scent.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > hunting with hounds > work done by hounds > [noun] > loss of scent
defaulta1450
overputting1590
at a loss1592
fault1593
check1781
the world > food and drink > hunting > hunting with hounds > work done by hounds > action of hounds [verb (intransitive)] > strike scent
scenta1398
find1565
hit it off1704
to hit off a fault1749
to hit off the line1977
1593 W. Shakespeare Venus & Adonis sig. Eijv The hot sent-snuffing hounds..haue singled..the cold fault cleanly out. View more context for this quotation
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 136 Suddenly the houndes fell at a fault.
1637 J. Shirley Lady of Pleasure ii. ii Give him leave To follow his own nose..while he hunts In view,—he'll soon be at a fault.
1693 W. Congreve Old Batchelour v. i. 45 Your Blood-Hound has made out the Fault.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones IV. x. vi. 52 Bad Hounds..never hit off a Fault themselves. View more context for this quotation
1781 P. Beckford Thoughts on Hunting xi. 153 Should a long fault make his [the huntsman's] assistance necessary.
1888 Times 10 Oct. 5/5 They [bloodhounds] are at fault..by overrunning the line.
1888 P. Lindley in Times 16 Oct. 10/5 The hound..took up the stale trail..without a fault.
b. figurative. at fault: puzzled, at a loss.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > perplexity, bewilderment > confused, at a loss [phrase]
at one's wit's end (occasionally ends)1377
seek1390
will of wane (also wone)a1400
will of redea1425
on wild1477
to be at a muse1548
at a loss1592
at a stopa1626
in a fog?c1640
in a wood1659
at a wit-standa1670
at sea1768
at fault1833
far to find, seek1879
1626 H. Wotton Let. in Reliquiæ Wottonianæ (1672) 550 We are..at a fault, in the Hunter's term.]
1833 H. Martineau Loom & Lugger i. v. 87 One's conscience being at fault, an appeal to the law must settle the matter.
1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast i. 1 My little knowledge of a vessel was all at fault.
1861 T. L. Peacock Gryll Grange ii. 14 There was sufficient diversity in the characters of the rejected to place conjecture at fault.
1886 J. H. Shorthouse Sir Percival iv. 121 The walls and courts..were so full of..relics of the past that the wisest antiquarians were at fault.
c. at fault, not equal to the occasion, in the position of having failed.Formerly considered an incorrect use. ‘With still greater impropriety, it is (according to Mr. Fitzedward Hall) frequently employed by American and occasionally by English writers in the sense of “in fault”’ (N.E.D.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > unsuccessful [phrase] > in the position having failed
at fault1876
1876 L. Stephen Hist. Eng. Thought 18th Cent. I. vi. 324 The many difficulties in nature..when made the groundwork of an argument..imply that the creator has been at fault.
1935 Discovery July 206/1 Sometimes it was the glaze..which was at fault.
1947 J. A. E. Mulgan & D. M. Davin Introd. Eng. Lit. xiii. 167 The natural presumption is that it is not his already proved skill that is at fault but rather the nature of the theories.
9. Geology and Mining.
a. A dislocation or break in continuity of the strata or vein. Also, a flaw or dislocation in ice. Cf. French faille.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > structural features > discontinuity or unconformity > [noun] > fault
trouble1672
dislocation1695
trap1719
trapping1758
slip1789
step1789
fault1796
throw1796
jump1842
nigger1886
the world > the earth > minerals > mineral deposits > features of stratum or vein > [noun] > obstruction or fault
rider1653
fore-stone1668
jamb1721
septuma1728
horse1778
fault1796
heave1802
girdle1819
burnt stuff1852
swine back1883
white horse1886
the world > the earth > water > ice > body of ice > [noun] > flaw, crack, rut, or hollow
cradle-hole1854
fault1860
1796 B. Outram in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 86 351 The workmen..discovered..a fault, throw, or break of the strata.
1813 R. Bakewell Introd. Geol. ix. 209 Faults are generally inclined a little from a vertical position.
1830 C. Lyell Princ. Geol. I. 43 The faults and dislocations of the strata.
1847 D. T. Ansted Anc. World vi. 108 Every coal-field is..split asunder and broken into small fragments by..‘faults’.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps ii. xxvii. 392 The [ice] beds were bent, and their continuity often broken by faults.
1863 C. Lyell Geol. Evid. Antiq. Man xi. 199 A valley..follows a line of fault in the chalk.
1883 W. S. Gresley Gloss. Terms Coal Mining 103 There are several kinds of faults, e.g. Faults of Dislocation; of Denudation; Upheaval; Trough Fault; Reverse or Overlap Fault; Step Fault.
1925 N. E. Odell in E. F. Norton et al. Fight for Everest: 1924 314 That the ice above the Trough was undergoing severe stress was apparent not only from its foliation, but also from the faults—‘flaws’ or ‘tear-faults’—that had been extensively developed in this area.
b. (See quot. 1881.)
ΚΠ
1881 Trans. Amer. Inst. Mining Engineers 1880–1 9 132 In coal-seams, sometimes applied to the coal rendered worthless by its condition in the seam (slate-fault, dirt-fault, etc.).
10. Telegraphy. An imperfect insulation; the condition of being in contact with anything which impairs or weakens the current; a leakage.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telegraphy > [noun] > leakage of current
fault1863
1863 R. S. Culley Handbk. Pract. Telegr. iv. 64 These faults are called ‘earth’ and ‘contact’.
1863 R. S. Culley Handbk. Pract. Telegr. iv. 65 Suppose..a fault to occur connecting the wire to the earth.. This leak will lessen the total resistance.
Compounds
C1. General attributive. Chiefly objective.
a.
fault-finder n.
ΚΠ
1561 T. Hoby tr. B. Castiglione Courtyer Ep. Autour sig. C.iiv I confesse to my faultfinders.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Apol. Poetrie (1595) sig. G2v Fault-finders..wil correct the Verbe, before they vnderstand the Noune.
1852 F. W. Robertson Serm. (1863) 4th Ser. xxxv. 273 Social faultfinders, who are ever on the watch for error.
b.
fault-finding n. and adj.
ΚΠ
1596 J. Davies Orchestra lxv. sig. B5v Correspondence..That no fault finding eye did euer blame.
1626 R. Bernard Isle of Man i. 27 He..liueth vpon fault finding.
1630 M. Godwin tr. F. Godwin Ann. Eng. i. 43 The most fault finding could not complaine of any want in that kinde.
1865 D. M. Mulock Christian's Mistake 90 Small backbitings and fault-findings.
c.
fault-hunting adj.
ΚΠ
1612 G. Chapman Widdowes Teares v. sig. I3v I must..bee sure to giue no hold to these fault-hunting enemies.
d. (In sense 9.)
fault-bundle n.
ΚΠ
1900 Geogr. Jrnl. (Royal Geogr. Soc.) 16 464 Varied arrangements in fault-bundles and fault-polygons.
fault-fissure n.
ΚΠ
1855 J. R. Leifchild Cornwall: Mines & Miners 87 In some instances..the fault-fissures are open.
1903 A. Geikie Text-bk. Geol. (ed. 4) I. 372 Another remarkable instance of the..fault-fissure type was furnished by the great Japanese earth~quake of 28th October 1891.
fault-line n.
ΚΠ
1869 J. Phillips Vesuvius vii. 197 On such a fault-line atmospheric vicissitude has been effective.
fault-plane n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > structural features > discontinuity or unconformity > [noun] > fault > plane
thrust-plane1884
shear plane1888
fault-plane1889
shearing plane1889
sole1889
bed-plane1895
bedding-plane1897
bedding fault1909
1889 O. Fisher Physics Earth's Crust (ed. 2) xx. 263 A ‘fault-plane’ or ‘thrust-plane’.
1900 Geogr. Jrnl. 16 466 Inclined fault-planes with down~throw towards one trough.
1913 Bull. Geol. Soc. Amer. 24 166 A fault surface is the surface of fracture; it is rarely plane, but where it is without notable curvature over any area it may be called a fault plane for that area.
1939 Proc. Prehistoric Soc. 5 107 A spring issuing from the Chalk at the fault-plane.
fault zone n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > structural features > [noun] > type of zone
greenstone belt1872
sheeted zone1903
shatter belt1910
fault zone1931
slide area1959
fracture-zone1965
subduction zone1970
1931 C. M. Nevin Princ. Struct. Geol. iv. 78 Frequently, the displacement caused by faulting may be spread over a number of closely spaced adjacent fractures, instead of being confined to one surface, in which case a fault zone is formed.
1944 A. Holmes Princ. Physical Geol. vi. 79 Sometimes, instead of a single fracture, there are two or more, forming a strip consisting of a sheet of crushed rock of variable thickness. This is distinguished as a fault zone, and the shattered material within is called a fault breccia.
1970 Encycl. Brit. VII. 861/1 The bottom of the well was located in a fault zone.
C2.
fault-block n. a mass of displaced rock (sometimes of extensive area) bounded by or between two faults.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > structural features > mass > [noun] > of rock > between faults
cleavage-mass1871
trough fault1883
horst1893
fault-block1897
thrust-mass1901
klippe1902
slice1914
rift block1915
nappe1922
1897 W. B. Scott Introd. Geol. xiii. 248 If two parallel dislocations hade toward each other, they form a trough fault and include a wedge-shaped fault block.
1925 N. E. Odell in E. F. Norton et al. Fight for Everest: 1924 292 At one point in the gorge a fault block had been turned through 90°.
1968 W. A. Price in R. W. Fairbridge Encycl. Geomorphol. 794 Fault-block origin for the Old Crow lakes is supported by the large square drainage patterns with which the lakes are associated.
fault breccia n. breccia resulting from movement along a fault, a crush-breccia or fault-rock.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > rock > composite rock > [noun] > breccia > specific
bone breccia1829
fault breccia1891
ferricrete1902
microbreccia1926
suevite1936
1891 Q. Jrnl. Geol. Soc. 47 322 An interesting feature in the Packhouse Hill section is a metamorphosed fault-breccia, which intervenes between the Lower and Middle Coldwell beds.
1969 C. R. Longwell et al. Physical Geol. xvii. 413 Rocks adjacent to a fault can be crushed into irregular pieces, forming fault breccia.
fault-line scarp n. a scarp produced secondarily along a fault-line by erosion, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > landscape > high land > slope > [noun] > steep
cliffOE
cleevec1300
hangingc1400
braea1500
steep1555
steepness1585
proclivity1645
upright1712
sliddera1793
snab1797
scarp1802
escarpment1815
shin1817
escarp1856
hag1868
jump-off1873
inface1896
fault-scarp1897
scarping1909
fault-line scarp1911
steephead1918
jump-up1927
1911 Encycl. Brit. XXVII. 622/1 The removal of the weak strata along one side of the fault line, leaving the harder strata on the other side in relief; such scarps are known as ‘fault-line scarps’.
1935 Geogr. Jrnl. 86 362 They may mistake fault-line scarps for fault scarps.
1968 R. W. Fairbridge Encycl. Geomorphol. 349/2 A fault-line scarp..is a cliff that is subparallel to the fault trace, but is so modified by erosion that it does not reflect the fault plane in any way.
fault-line valley n. a valley along a fault-line.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > landscape > low land > valley > [noun] > rift valley or valley of elevation
valley of elevation1526
rift valley1894
graben1896
fault-line valley1913
rift1921
1913 W. M. Davis in Bull. Geol. Soc. Amer. XXIV. 207 They should be called by some special name, such as fault-line valleys, as here suggested.
1963 A. N. Strahler Earth Sci. xxxiv. 598 Streams occupying fault lines are classed as subsequent streams... Their valleys may be termed subsequent valleys, or, more specifically, fault-line valleys.
fault-reader n. one who can trace the correspondence of strata interrupted by a fault.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > earth sciences > geology > geologist > [noun]
hammerer1611
geologist1778
geognosist1797
geologer1797
geologue1799
geognost1802
geologian1813
geologician1818
fault-reader1891
rockhound1922
1891 R. Kipling City Dreadful Night 85 A good ‘fault-reader’..must more than know geology.
fault-rock n. (see quots.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > rock > [noun] > rock fragments or debris
debris1802
fault-stuff1811
dilapidation1816
rock waste1849
fault-rock1877
slide-rock1901
1877 A. H. Green Geol. for Students: Physical Geol. (ed. 2) ix. §4. 365 Fragments of the adjoining rocks mashed and jumbled together, in some cases bound into a solid mass called fault-stuff or fault-rock.
1882 A. Geikie Text-bk. Geol. iv. vi. 524 The line of fracture is marked by a belt or wall-like mass of fragmentary rock, known as ‘fault rock’.
fault-scarp n. a scarp directly produced by throw at a fault.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > landscape > high land > slope > [noun] > steep
cliffOE
cleevec1300
hangingc1400
braea1500
steep1555
steepness1585
proclivity1645
upright1712
sliddera1793
snab1797
scarp1802
escarpment1815
shin1817
escarp1856
hag1868
jump-off1873
inface1896
fault-scarp1897
scarping1909
fault-line scarp1911
steephead1918
jump-up1927
1897 W. B. Scott Introd. Geol. xiii. 248 It is comparatively seldom that the upthrow side of a fault is left standing as a line of cliffs; when such is the case, the cliffs form a fault scarp.
1960 L. D. Stamp Britain's Struct. & Scenery (ed. 5) xxiii. 229 One of the finest examples of a fault-scarp to be found anywhere—the great wall of the Highlands overlooking a valley excavated in Old Red Sandstone rocks.
fault-slip n. the smooth surface of the fractured rocks in some types of faults.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > structural features > discontinuity or unconformity > [noun] > fault > line > smooth surface on
slickenside1822
fault-slip1883
1883 W. S. Gresley Gloss. Terms Coal Mining Fault-slip.
fault-stuff n. (see quot.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > rock > [noun] > rock fragments or debris
debris1802
fault-stuff1811
dilapidation1816
rock waste1849
fault-rock1877
slide-rock1901
1811 J. Farey Gen. View Agric. Derbyshire I. i. §3. 120 Extraneous matters filling the Fault..I shall call them Fault-stuff.
1877 [see fault-rock n.]. fault-vein n. a mineral vein filling a fault.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > mineral deposits > [noun] > vein > step- or fault-vein
step-vein1881
fault-vein1886
1886 J. Prestwich Geol. I. xviii. 309 Mineral veins may be divided into fissure-veins, fault-veins, and..quartz-veins.
fault-vent n. a volcanic vent occurring at a fault.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > structural features > volcanic formations > [noun] > volcanic vent
chimneyc1374
vent1604
firepit1651
spiraculum1670
spiracle1671
solfatara1764
sulphur1764
volcanic crater1776
fumarole1811
air volcano1814
mud volcano1816
salse1831
blowhole1858
pipe1877
soufrière1879
bocca1881
mofette1887
pan1888
blowing-cone1895
smoke-hole1899
fault-vent1903
1903 Nature 3 Sept. 413/2 During the geological periods when the fault-vent continued intermittently active.
Draft additions 1993
Show-jumping, etc. A penalty point incurred for an error in performance.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > equestrian sports except racing > [noun] > penalty point incurred
fault1912
1912 Horse & Hound 29 June 409/2 For Russia Captain d'Exe on Epire had half a fault scored against him.
1926 Horse & Hound 26 June 465/2 Captain Dunn was unfortunate in registering four faults at the wattle gate.
1946 M. C. Self Horseman's Encycl. 251 In tandem formations.., where correct distance is not kept, a fault of ½ point will be scored for each one half horse's length.
1964 J. Berrisford Show Jumper in Family xvi. 118 Penny was surprised to hear a sharp gasp from the crowd as three ‘bricks’ fell. Four faults.
1984 Smith & Green Harvey Smith on Show-Jumping ii. 53 (caption) Sanyo Technology..had just one fence down in each of the two rounds of the Nations Cup in Paris, 1983, helping the British team to beat the French by one quarter of a fault.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1895; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
faultv.
/fɔːlt/, /fɒlt/, U.S. /fɔlt/, /fɑlt/ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > insufficiency > be insufficient [verb (intransitive)] > be wanting
trokec1000
lacka1175
wantc1225
missa1250
fail13..
fault1377
defaulta1382
defaila1400
inlaik1533
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. ix. 66 I fynde þat holicherche Shulde fynden hem þat hem fauteth.
c1460 Launfal 200 Today to cherche y wolde have gon, But me fawtede hosyn and schon.
c1480 (a1400) St. Lawrence 778 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 424 Þat was to þat ilke end, gyf ocht fawtyt, It til amend.
1495 Trevisa's Bartholomeus De Proprietatibus Rerum (de Worde) xix. i. sig. hhiijv/1 Yf lyghte lackyth and fawtyth: the qualyte of colour is not seen.
1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. xxx. 87 Here fauteth company.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > non-possession > not have [verb (transitive)] > lack
wantc1175
missa1300
tharnc1300
to fail of1307
lackc1320
fault1377
failc1380
wanea1400
defaultc1425
to want ofc1425
walter1463
fault?1504
to defail of1556
to want for1560
scant1565
inlaik1568
impaira1626
to bate of1633
?1504 W. Atkinson tr. Thomas à Kempis Ful Treat. Imytacyon Cryste (Pynson) iii. xxxix Worldlye wyse men fawteth in thy wysdome, good lorde.
1579 E. K. in E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Epist. Minding to furnish our tongue in this kind, wherein it faulteth.
1599 A. Day Eng. Secretorie (new ed.) To Rdr. sig. A3 I will blush for mine errors, where I fault in abilitie, I will shew you my will.
1606 P. Holland in tr. Suetonius Hist. Twelve Caesars Annot. 11 Hee faulted in common civilitie.
a. transitive. To stand in need of, lack, want, be deficient in. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > non-possession > not have [verb (transitive)] > lack
wantc1175
missa1300
tharnc1300
to fail of1307
lackc1320
fault1377
failc1380
wanea1400
defaultc1425
to want ofc1425
walter1463
fault?1504
to defail of1556
to want for1560
scant1565
inlaik1568
impaira1626
to bate of1633
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. ix. 66 Foles þat fauten Inwitte.
a1400–50 Alexander 2710 A thing..þarnes þe wyngis, And fautis þe fethirhames.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur iii. i I fawte l [knyghtes], for so many haue ben slayne.
c1475 Partenay 6379 She noght fauteth þat haue shold A lady.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > necessity > condition of being necessary > be necessary [verb (intransitive)]
needa1398
worth1424
requirea1500
fault1502
1502 tr. Ordynarye of Crysten Men (de Worde) v. iii. sig. oo.v v It fauteth not to ymagen that they ben lesse ferefull in helle.
a. intransitive. To come short of a standard; to make default, fail. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > fail or be unsuccessful [verb (intransitive)] > fail or fall short
false?c1225
fault1486
to be wanting to oneself1582
want1643
undershoot1874
to come up short1917
underperform1976
1486 Stanley's Ord. Lichfield Gild 12 If the seid..persons wyl absent them-self..[they] shal pay ij pownd of wax; and as ofte as ony of them so fawteth after iij times monysshed, to be discharged.
?a1500 Leges Quatuor Burgorum xix, in Acts Parl. Scotl. (1844) I. 336/2 Gif he faltis twyis he sall be chastyte twyis for his forfaute Gif he faltis thryse [etc.].
1545 R. Ascham Toxophilus i. f. 7v If shotinge faulte at any tyme, it hydes it not..but openly accuseth & bewrayeth it selfe.
1608 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. (new ed.) ii. iv. 136 Let not our Feruour fault, Through length of Siege.
a1677 T. Manton Serm. in Wks. (1871) II. 187 He hath exceedingly failed and faulted in his duty.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > fail in [verb (transitive)] > fail to achieve
to miss of ——c1225
fault1522
to err froma1538
to miss on ——a1627
miss1644
to miss out1929
the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > do nothing [verb (intransitive)] > fail to do something
leavec1390
wanta1475
fault1522
to let pass1530
1522 King Henry VIII in State Papers Henry VIII (1849) VI. 103 Wherin His Grace shall not faulte to indevour Hymself after his best power.
1527 Knight in J. S. Brewer Henry VIII (1884) II. xxviii. 224 The contents whereof I shall not fault to follow according unto your Grace's pleasure.
1611 Troublesome Raigne Iohn (new ed.) i. sig. E4 Ile mend the fault or fault my aime.
5. † b. of things. Obsolete.
a. intransitive. To commit a fault, to do or go wrong, hence sometimes, to sin. Obsolete exc. archaic. rarely quasi-transitive with neuter pronoun as object. Const. against, to, toward. Also rarely, to fault it.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > [verb (intransitive)]
guiltc825
misdoOE
misfereOE
misnimc1225
trespass1303
forfeita1325
misguiltc1330
misworka1375
transverse1377
offendc1384
mistakec1390
faulta1400
commit1449
misprize1485
digress1541
transgress1662
society > morality > moral evil > wrong conduct > evildoing or wrongdoing > do evil or wrong [verb (intransitive)] > transgress or offend
guiltc825
sinc825
to break a bruchec1225
trespass1303
forfeita1325
folly1357
misworka1375
transverse1377
offendc1384
mistakec1390
faulta1400
commit1449
misprize1485
transgress1526
digress1541
misdeal1573
to commit (also do, make) an offence1841
overstep1931
a1400–50 Alexander 2659 ‘Quat has he fauted?’ quod þe frek.
c1475 (?c1400) Apol. Lollard Doctr. (1842) 66 He fautid be error & be vnkunning.
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) cxxx. 172 Men shalle saye, that she hath fawted in dede.
a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Fox, Wolf, & Husbandman l. 2265 in Poems (1981) 86 I faltit neuer to ȝou, trewlie.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Luke xv. f. 132 Whatsoeuer I haue faulted, I haue faulted against him alone.
c1550 Complaynt Scotl. (1979) xiv. 96 I exort ȝou..that gyf ony of ȝou hes faltit contrar ȝour comont veil..that ȝe correct ȝour selfis.
1596 W. Warner Albions Eng. (rev. ed.) ix. xliiii. 213 They..die in lingring Torments, who Fault to their Inquisition.
a1603 T. Cartwright Confut. Rhemists New Test. (1618) 27 He that marrieth another, faulteth against the former wife.
1631 B. Jonson Staple of Newes ii. iv. 204 in Wks. II And where my dogs haue falted, Remoue it with a broome.
a1632 T. Taylor God's Judgem. (1642) i. i. xxii. 86 The people of Cæsarea faulted greatly when..they called King Herod a god.
1647 N. Ward Simple Cobler Aggawam 78 Poore Coblers well may fault it now and then, They'r ever mending faults for other men.
1825 W. Scott Talisman vii, in Tales Crusaders IV. 140 He hath foully faulted towards me, in failing to send the auxiliary aid he promised.
1871 R. Browning Balaustion 96 Had I died for thee I had faulted more.
ΚΠ
1596 W. Warner Albions Eng. (rev. ed.) x. lxi. 268 Somewhat somewhere faulteth.
1608 Bp. J. Hall Characters Vertues & Vices ii. 101 Euery thing faulteth either in too much or too little.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > disregard for truth, falsehood > lack of truth, falsity > be mistaken, err [verb (intransitive)]
dwelec900
haltc900
marOE
slidea1000
misfangOE
missOE
to have wough?c1225
misnimc1225
misrekec1275
mis-startc1275
err1303
to go wrongc1340
misgo1340
slipc1340
snapperc1380
forvay1390
to miss of ——c1395
to make a balkc1430
to run in ——1496
trip1509
fault1530
mistake1548
misreckon1584
misstep1605
warpa1616
solecize1627
hallucinate1652
nod1677
to go will1724
to fare astray (misliche, amiss)a1849
slip1890
skid1920
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 546/2 It is no marvayle thoughe I faulte yet, I am but a begynner.
a1557 J. Cheke tr. Gospel St. Matthew (1843) xviii. 72 The greak fauteth heer in the nomber.
1624 W. Bedell Copies Certaine Lett. vi. 95 Hee faults himselfe in the same kinde, that hee imputes to another.
1692 Covt. Grace Conditional 47 If they faulted in any thing about the Matter in controversie, it was in giving too much to Faith.
1765 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 12 Dec. (1932) (modernized text) VI. 2692 His tongue stammering and faulting.
7.
a. transitive. To find fault with, to blame or censure. Also †to fault (a person) with or that: to charge with, find fault with because.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > criticism > criticize [verb (transitive)]
reprehendc1400
murmur1424
discommenda1500
belack1531
to find fault (with, at)c1540
scan?c1550
fault1563
pinch1567
to lift or move a lip1579
raign1581
reflect1605
criminate1645
criticize1652
nick1668
critic1697
chop1712
stricture1851
to get on to ——1895
chip1898
rap1899
nitpick1956
1563 W. Baldwin et al. Myrrour for Magistrates (new ed.) Collingbourne sig. V.iv Or shal I fault the fates that so ordayne?
1590 T. Watson Eglogue vpon Death Walsingham sig. C2 My mind..gins fault hir giuing place to sorrows sourse.
1633 T. Adams Comm. 2 Peter (ii. 4) 519 The Lion was faulted by the Lionesse, that his breath stanke.
1677 R. Cary Palæologia Chronica ii. ii. i. iii. 193 Josephus is to be faulted, for saying that it was in the 25th year.
1791 J. Wolcot Rights of Kings in Wks. (1812) II. 415 Fault the poor Flesh and quarrel with the Fish.
1842 S. Lover Handy Andy xxi What's that you're faulting now? is it my deal seats without cushions?
1850 F. Trollope Petticoat Govt. 161 Her manner..could not, to use an American phrase, be ‘faulted’.
1890 J. R. Lowell in Biglow Papers Introd. in Poet. Wks. (new ed.) 224/1 The Americanisms with which we are faulted.
1957 Listener 9 May 736/1 One can fault the English for their indifference over long periods to Scottish susceptibilities.
1965 New Statesman 30 Apr. 670/2 The Hall Green Conservatives can be faulted for selecting him.
1971 Wall St. Jrnl. 19 July 1/3 The..report…faults Agriculture Secretary Clifford Hardin for failing to take over state meat-inspection services that have failed to satisfy federal requirements.
b. To impugn or mark as faulty.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > denial or contradiction > deny or contradict [verb (transitive)]
withquethec888
withsake971
falsea1225
withsay?c1225
denyc1300
again-saya1382
naitc1390
nitec1390
naya1400
nicka1400
warna1400
denytec1420
traversea1450
repugnc1456
unsayc1460
renay1512
disavow?1532
disaffirm1548
contradict1582
fault1585
belie1587
infringe1590
dementie1594
abnegate1616
negate1623
nege1624
abrenounce1656
nay-saya1774
negative1784
dement1884
1585 Abp. E. Sandys Serm. (1841) 233 Any deformity..in the body of a naked man..is soon espied and faulted.
1635 R. Shelford Five Pious Disc. 54 God's house is abused by them which bring hither hawks and dogs, which is faulted in our Church-homilie.
1665 J. Sergeant Sure-footing in Christianity 58 If Protestants faulted not the Rule.
1882 J. J. Mombert in P. Schaff et al. Relig. Encycl. I. 736 Twenty-nine passages..faulted by Lawrence as incorrect.
1958 Spectator 6 June 740/3 His final conclusion at least cannot be faulted.
1961 Times 11 May 17/2 Perhaps some scholar will fault a detail.
8. Hunting. To put (a hound) at fault; to throw off the scent. rare.
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the world > food and drink > hunting > thing hunted or game > action of game > [verb (transitive)]
to give the bay toc1515
bay1575
make a bay at1579
to fling off1711
run1781
to stand before ——1827
fault1873
blink1876
1873 W. S. Mayo Never Again xii. 164 A way! By which we'll fault their staunchest hound.
9. Geology and Mining. transitive. Chiefly passive. To cause a fault (see fault n. 9) or break of continuity in; to dislocate; now also intransitive. to fault down or through: to depress (part of a stratum), to drive (part of it) through (another) with the result of causing a fault. Also intransitive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > formation of features > tectonization or diastrophism > tectonize [verb (transitive)] > fault
fault1837
rift1963
the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > continuity or uninterruptedness > discontinuity or interrupted condition > break the continuity of or interrupt [verb (transitive)]
discontinuea1398
breakc1400
interrupta1420
intermit1557
takea1586
interpellate1599
interfalk1621
snapa1790
fault1837
1849 R. I. Murchison Siluria vii. 139 It is faulted on the north-west against Old Red Sandstone.
1863 J. D. Dana Man. Geol. 111 If the stratum were inclined at 15° without faulting, it would stand as in fig. D.
1872 W. S. Symonds Rec. Rocks Black slates at Llandeilo are faulted through the Caradoc beds.
1879 F. Rutley Study of Rocks ii. 8 Portions of the already solidified crust were faulted down or depressed.
1883 Science 1 101 An undulation which has overturned the folds, and has faulted them in some places.
1927 Daily Express 5 July 11/4 A geological inexactitude which appears to have faulted or slipped from peaceful churchyard surroundings to a boisterous life in the ocean waves.
Draft additions June 2017
In Tennis and other racket sports.
a. transitive. Of an umpire or similar official: to penalize (a player) for a fault.
ΚΠ
1886 Year's Sport 1885 284 Mr. Renshaw was faulted twice in the course of the fifth sett.
1920 Amer. Lawn Tennis 15 Apr. 8/1 Time and again he was faulted, usually on his second service.
1976 Observer 2 May 23/2 A linesman faulted her on her second, crucial serve.
1994 Times of India 17 Feb. 24/2 Kamlesh was faulted twice for serving with his hand over the table.
b. intransitive. Of a player: to commit a fault.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > racket games > lawn tennis > play tennis [verb (intransitive)] > make fault
foot-fault1884
fault1908
double-fault1921
1908 Western Mail (Perth, Austral.) 24 Oct. 36/5 C. Barnard served to Parker for a start..but he faulted with his first.
1949 N.Y. Times 2 Nov. 35/3 That same blinding serve cost him the match as he faulted.
2014 M. Baravika One Man Guy ii. 18 Seth had trotted over to Alek after he faulted on his first serve.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1895; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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