n. [ L. desertio: cf. F. désertion. ] 1. The act of deserting or forsaking; abandonment of a service, a cause, a party, a friend, or any post of duty; the quitting of one's duties willfully and without right; esp., an absconding from military or naval service. [ 1913 Webster ]
Such a resignation would have seemed to his superior a desertion or a reproach. Bancroft. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The state of being forsaken; desolation; as, the king in his desertion. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Abandonment by God; spiritual despondency. [ 1913 Webster ]
The spiritual agonies of a soul under desertion. South. [ 1913 Webster ]