Dē-re-lĭc'tion, n.

noun

n. [Lat. derelictio. See supra.]

  1. The act of leaving with an intention not to reclaim; an utter forsaking; abandonment. “Any cession or dereliction, actual or tacit, of other powers.” Burke. “A total dereliction of military duties.” W. Scott.
  2. The state of being left or abandoned.
  3. (Law.) The gaining of land from the sea, in consequence of its shrinking back below the usual water-mark.