Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Defection
De-fec′tion
,Noun.
Act of abandoning a person or cause to which one is bound by allegiance or duty, or to which one has attached himself; desertion; failure in duty; a falling away; apostasy; backsliding.
“Defection and falling away from God.” Sir W. Raleigh.
The general
defection
of the whole realm. Sir J. Davies.
Webster 1828 Edition
Defection
DEFECTION
, n.1.
Want or failure of duty; particularly, a falling away; apostasy; the act of abandoning a person or cause to which one is bound by allegiance or duty, or to which one has attached himself. Our defection from God is proof of our depravity. The cause of the king was rendered desperate by the defection of the nobles.2.
Revolt; used of nations or states.