- Contributory negligence
- Negligence Neg"li*gence, n. [F. n['e]gligence, L.
negligentia.]
The quality or state of being negligent; lack of due
diligence or care; omission of duty; habitual neglect;
heedlessness.
[1913 Webster]
2. An act or instance of negligence or carelessness. [1913 Webster]
remarking his beauties, . . . I must also point out his negligences and defects. --Blair. [1913 Webster]
3. (Law) The omission of the care usual under the circumstances, being convertible with the Roman {culpa}. A specialist is bound to higher skill and diligence in his specialty than one who is not a specialist, and liability for negligence varies acordingly. [1913 Webster]
{Contributory negligence}. See under {Contributory}. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Neglect; inattention; heedlessness; disregard; slight.
Usage: {Negligence}, {Neglect}. These two words are freely interchanged in our older writers; but a distinction has gradually sprung up between them. As now generally used, negligence is the habit, and neglect the act, of leaving things undone or unattended to. We are negligent as a general trait of character; we are guilty of neglect in particular cases, or in reference to individuals who had a right to our attentions. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.