Relapse /(r?-l?ps")/

imp. & p. p. Relapsed; p. pr. & vb. n. Relapsing

1. To slip or slide back, in a literal sense; to turn back. [Obs.]
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.

   That task performed, [preachers] relapse into themselves.

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

   They enter into the justified state, and so continue all along, unless they relapse.

1. A sliding or falling back, especially into a former bad state, either of body or morals; backsliding; the state of having fallen back.

   Alas! from what high hope to what relapse Unlooked for are we fallen!

2. One who has relapsed, or fallen back, into error; a backslider; specifically, one who, after recanting error, returns to it again. [Obs.]