What is "to suffer a default"

Default \De*fault"\, n. [OE. defaute, OF. defaute, defalte, fem., F. d['e]faut, masc., LL. defalta, fr. a verb meaning, to be deficient, to want, fail, fr. L. de- + fallere to deceive. See Fault.]

1. A failing or failure; omission of that which ought to be done; neglect to do what duty or law requires; as, this evil has happened through the governor's default.

2. Fault; offense; ill deed; wrong act; failure in virtue or wisdom.

   And pardon craved for his so rash default.
   --Spenser.

   Regardless of our merit or default.
   --Pope.

3. (Law) A neglect of, or failure to take, some step necessary to secure the benefit of law, as a failure to appear in court at a day assigned, especially of the defendant in a suit when called to make answer; also of jurors, witnesses, etc.

   In default of, in case of failure or lack of.

   Cooks could make artificial birds and fishes in default of the real ones.
   --Arbuthnot.

   To suffer a default (Law), to permit an action to be called without appearing to answer.