[See Fail.]

1. Properly, an erring or missing; a failing; hence, an error or mistake; a blunder; a defect; a blemish; whatever impairs excellence; applied to things.

2. In morals or deportment, any error or defect; an imperfection; any deviation from propriety; a slight offense; a neglect of duty or propriety, resulting from inattention or want of prudence, rather than from design to injure or offend, but liable to censure or objection.

I do remember my faults this day. Genesis 41:9.

If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye who are spiritual, restore such as one in the spirit of meekness. Galatians 6:1.

Fault implies wrong, and often some degree of criminality.

3. Defect; want; absence. [Not now used. See Default.]

I could tell to thee, as to one if pleases me, for fault of a better to call my friend.

4. Puzzle; difficulty.

Among sportsmen, when dogs lose the scent, they are said to be at fault. Hence the phrase, the inquirer is at fault.

5. In mining, a fissure in strata, causing a dislocation of the same, and thus interrupting the course of veins.

To find fault, to express blame; to complain.

Thou wilt say then, why doth he yet find fault? Romans 9:19.

To find fault with, to blame; to censure; as, to find fault with the times, or with a neighbor's conduct.