Lapse
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia · John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
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.
Upon six months’ neglect of the patron, the right lapses to the bishop; upon six months’ neglect of bishop, to archbishop; upon his six months’ neglect, to king. The day on which the vacancy occurs is not To glide; to pass slowly, silently, or by degrees. To slip; to deviate from the proper path. Webster, Diet, See Lapsed Devise; Lapsed Legacy.