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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Relapse \Re*lapse"\ (r?-l?ps"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Relapsed}
(-l?pst"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Relapsing}.] [L. relapsus, p. p.
of relabi to slip back, to relapse; pref. re- re- labi to
fall, slip, slide. See {Lapse}.]
1. To slip or slide back, in a literal sense; to turn back.
[Obs.] --Dryden.
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2. To slide or turn back into a former state or practice; to
fall back from some condition attained; -- generally in a
bad sense, as from a state of convalescence or amended
condition; as, to relapse into a stupor, into vice, or
into barbarism; -- sometimes in a good sense; as, to
relapse into slumber after being disturbed.
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That task performed, [preachers] relapse into
themselves. --Cowper.
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3. (Theol.) To fall from Christian faith into paganism,
heresy, or unbelief; to backslide.
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They enter into the justified state, and so continue
all along, unless they relapse. --Waterland.
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Relapse \Re*lapse"\, n. [For sense 2 cf. F. relaps. See
{Relapse}, v.]
1. A sliding or falling back, especially into a former bad
state, either of body or morals; backsliding; the state of
having fallen back.
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Alas! from what high hope to what relapse
Unlooked for are we fallen! --Milton.
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2. One who has relapsed, or fallen back, into error; a
backslider; specifically, one who, after recanting error,
returns to it again. [Obs.]
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