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decay (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Decayed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Decaying.] [OF. decaeir, dechaer, decheoir, F.
| decay | (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Decayed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Decaying.] [OF. decaeir, dechaer, decheoir, F. dchoir, to decline, fall, become less; L. de- + cadere to fall. See Chance.]
To pass gradually from a sound, prosperous, or perfect state, to one of imperfection, adversity, or dissolution; to waste away; to decline; to fail; to become weak, corrupt, or disintegrated; to rot; to perish; as, a tree decays; fortunes decay; hopes decay.
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-Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, |
| decay | , v. t. 1.
To cause to decay; to impair. [R.]
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-Infirmity, that decays the wise. Shak.
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2.
To destroy. [Obs.] Shak.
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| decay | , n. 1.
Gradual failure of health, strength, soundness, prosperity, or of any species of excellence or perfection; tendency toward dissolution or extinction; corruption; rottenness; decline; deterioration; as, the decay of the body; the decay of virtue; the decay of the Roman empire; a castle in decay.
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-Perhaps my God, though he be far before, |
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