Default.

Default. A party to an action is in default when he fails to comply with the rules of procedure. If the defendant, for example, fails to appear to the writ, the plaintiff may have judgment against him; if the plaintiff fails to deliver a statement of claim, the defendant may apply to have the action dismissed. Judgment by default may be set aside, on such terms as to costs, &c. as the court thinks just. In Scotland, a decree by default may be recalled by reclaiming note, but after the time for reclaiming has expired, an action of reduction must be brought to set it aside.