Relapse
Relapse (r?-l?ps") , intransitive verb
[Latin relapsus, past participle of relabi to slip back, to relapse; pref. re- re- + labi to fall, slip, slide. See Lapse.]
1.
To slip or slide back, in a literal sense; to turn back. [Obsolete] — Dryden
2.
To slide or turn back into a former state or practice; to fall back from some condition attained; -- generally in a bad sense, as from a state of convalescence or amended condition; as, to relapse into a stupor, into vice, or into barbarism; -- sometimes in a good sense; as, to relapse into slumber after being disturbed.
That task performed, [preachers] relapse into themselves.
3.
(Theology) To fall from Christian faith into paganism, heresy, or unbelief; to backslide.
They enter into the justified state, and so continue all along, unless they relapse.
Relapse , noun
[For sense 2 compare French relaps. See Relapse, v.]
1.
A sliding or falling back, especially into a former bad state, either of body or morals; backsliding; the state of having fallen back.
Alas! from what high hope to what relapse
Unlooked for are we fallen!
2.
One who has relapsed, or fallen back, into error; a backslider; specifically, one who, after recanting error, returns to it again. [Obsolete]