De-fĕc'tion, n.

n. [Lat. defectio, Fr. défection. See DEFECT.] The act of abandoning a person or cause to which one is bound by allegiance or duty, or to which one has attached himself; want or failure in duty; a failing away; apostasy; backsliding. “The general defection of the whole realm.” Davies. “Defection from God.” Raleigh. “Defection to Popery.” Bentley.