Lapse

n.

In ecclesiastical law

The transfer, by forfeiture, of a right to present or collate to a vacant benefice from a person vested with such right to another, in consequence of some act of negligence by the former.

Ayl. Par. 331.

In the law of wills. The failure of a testamentary glft in consequence of the dcath of the dCvisee or legatee during the Ilfe of the testator. In criminal proceedings, "lapse" is used, In England, in the same sense as "abate" in ordinary procedure; i. e., to signify that the proceedings came to an end by the death of one of the parties or some other event v. To glide; to pass slowly, silently or by degrees. To slip; to deviate from the proper path.

Webster.

To fall or fail.

Lapse patent

A patent for land issued in substitution for an earlier patent to the same land, which was issued to another party, but has lapsed in consequence of his neglect to avail himself of it.

Wilcox v. Calloway, 1 Wash. (Vat) 39.

Lapsed devise

See Devise.

See Devise.

Lapsed legacy

See Legacy.

See Legacy.