Etymologically
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defalta

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Forms

dēfalta f (genitive dēfaltae); first declension[1][2] A neuter dēfaltum is also found, and the spellings dēfauta, dēfaulta and diffalta.[2][1][3]

Etymology

It is from Vulgar Latin *dēfallō (“to be lacking, fail”), a medieval compound of dē- and fallō (“to deceive; to escape notice”).[3][1] Etymonline reconstructs a Vulgar Latin participle *dēfallita (“deficiency, failure”) from that verb as the source of Old French defaute.[4] The DMLBS compares it with that Old French word and with Anglo-Norman defalt.[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler and the DMLBS date the first instance to 1198, in the rolls of the king's court in England, where a man is said to have lost half a virgate of land through his warrantor's default in appearing.[1][2]

Semantic evolution

It was a term of English and Norman law: the failure of a defendant, warrantor, juror or suitor to appear in court, the fine paid for it, and in the phrase ponere in defaltam to hold someone liable for default.[2] In manorial records it is also a failure to turn up for work owed to a lord.[2] More generally it meant a lack, a defect, and in defalta recti a failure of justice.[2]

Niermeyer adds the sense of a failure to redeem a pledge.[3] The English word default came through Old French.[4]

Timeline

  • 1198 – A plea roll records land lost through a warrantor's default.[2][1]
  • early 13th century – English default, from Old French.[4]
  • 1221 – A township is fined pro defalta for not coming to court.[2]
  • 1228 – ponere in defaltam, to hold liable for default.[2]
  • 1237 – It is used for a lack of hay.[2]
  • 1269 – A manor court fines a tenant for default in the lord's work.[2]

Meanings

Noun

  1. (law) default, failure to appear in court.[2][3][1]
  2. (law) A fine for default.[2]
  3. Failure to attend work owed.[2]
  4. A lack; a defect, flaw;[2] defalta recti, failure of justice.[2]
  5. Failure to redeem.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c d e Niermeyer, J. F. (1976), Mediae Latinitatis Lexicon Minus, Leiden: Brill
  4. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com