in default of

phrase

: in the absence of

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in default of was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In default of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20default%20of. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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