ppl. a. Also 5 Sc. failȝeit, 6 Sc. faillit. [f. FAIL v. + -ED1.]
1. Decayed, worn out. Chiefly, of a person: Impaired in health or vigor; infirm.
1490. Caxton, Eneydos, iv. 18–9. Durynge the whiche efforte, was herde a voys feble, as of a persone alle sorowfulle and bywepte and nyghe alle faylled and deed.
1496. Acc. Ld. High Treasurer (1877), I. 324. Ane ald failȝeit preist.
1535. Stewart, Cron. Scot., II. 683.
| This king Malcome into that samin tyme, | |
| The kirk of Durhame foundit of stone and lyme, | |
| That faillit wes ane lang tyme of befoir. |
1816. Scott, Antiq., xxv. After striking a few strokes, he … said to his companion, ‘I’m auld and failed now, and canna keep at it.’
1880. Antrim & Down Gloss. Failed … in impaired health.
2. Unsuccessful. Also, bankrupt, insolvent.
1655. The Nicholas Papers (Camden), II. 344. Broad discourse against some whom they decypher to be managers of the late failed designe.
1869. Daily News, 4 Jan. Similar proceedings were stopped in another failed company.
1871. Ruskin, Fors Clav., vii. 17. If we ever … chance to catch hold of any failed bankers.
1889. Pall Mall G., 25 Nov., 6/2. Failed books … were sent off to the colonies.
