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.
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.
That task performed, [preachers] relapse into
themselves.
Cowper.
3. (Theol.) To fall from Christian
faith into paganism, heresy, or unbelief; to backslide.
They enter into the justified state, and so continue
all along, unless they relapse.
Waterland.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.
Alas! from what high hope to what relapse
Unlooked for are we fallen!
Milton.
2. One who has relapsed, or fallen back, into
error; a backslider; specifically, one who, after recanting error,
returns to it again. [Obs.]