a. [ L. derelictus, p. p. of derelinquere to forsake wholly, to abandon; de- + relinquere to leave. See Relinquish. ]
The affections which these exposed or derelict children bear to their mothers, have no grounds of nature or assiduity but civility and opinion. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]
They easily prevailed, so as to seize upon the vacant, unoccupied, and derelict minds of his [ Chatham's ] friends; and instantly they turned the vessel wholly out of the course of his policy. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]
A government which is either unable or unwilling to redress such wrongs is derelict to its highest duties. J. Buchanan. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. (Law)
n. [ L. derelictio. ]
Cession or dereliction, actual or tacit, of other powers. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]
A total dereliction of military duties. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]