Relapsing

Relapse Re*lapse" (r?-l?ps"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Relapsed} (-l?pst"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Relapsing}.] [L. relapsus, p. p. 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. [Obs.] --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

That task performed, [preachers] relapse into themselves. --Cowper. [1913 Webster]

3. (Theol.) To fall from Christian faith into paganism, heresy, or unbelief; to backslide. [1913 Webster]

They enter into the justified state, and so continue all along, unless they relapse. --Waterland. [1913 Webster]