defaulter

[ dih-fawl-ter ]

noun

1. a person who defaults or fails to fulfill an obligation, especially a legal or financial one.
2. British. a soldier convicted by court-martial.

defaulter

/ dɪˈfɔːltə /

noun

1. a person who defaults
2. a person, esp a soldier, who has broken the disciplinary code of his service

Word History and Origins

Origin of defaulter¹

First recorded in 1660–70; default + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The King is attended by a numerous band of courtiers and attendants, all of whom seem moving forward to arrest the defaulter.

From Project Gutenberg

For who could tell the name of a defaulter at the station, but Mrs. Darcy?

From Project Gutenberg

There could be no other answer, he said, and he could give none for Putney to carry back to the defaulter's daughters.

From Project Gutenberg

I don't understand you, Matt, saying your father's part is more odious than a self-confessed defaulter's.

From Project Gutenberg

Anyway, the American defaulter who goes to Canada never makes any effort to grow up with the country.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• deadbeat
• debtor