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adj. 1. a. Deserted by an owner or keeper; abandoned: derelict railroad tracks. b. Run-down; dilapidated: derelict buildings. 2. Neglectful of duty or obligation; remiss. See Synonyms at negligent. n. 1. A homeless or jobless person; a vagrant. 2. Law a. Abandoned property, especially a ship abandoned at sea. b. Land left dry by a permanent recession of the water line. [Latin dērelictus, past participle of dērelinquere, to abandon : dē-, de- + relinquere, to leave behind; see RELINQUISH.] |
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