dilapidating

1 definition found

dilapidating - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Dilapidate \Di*lap"i*date\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dilapidated;
     p. pr. & vb. n. Dilapidating.] [L. dilapidare to scatter
     like stones; di- = dis- + lapidare to throw stones, fr. lapis
     a stone. See Lapidary.]
     1. To bring into a condition of decay or partial ruin, by
        misuse or through neglect; to destroy the fairness and
        good condition of; -- said of a building.
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              If the bishop, parson, or vicar, etc., dilapidates
              the buildings, or cuts down the timber of the
              patrimony.                            --Blackstone.
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     2. To impair by waste and abuse; to squander.
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              The patrimony of the bishopric of Oxon was much
              dilapidated.                          --Wood.
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