Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Relapse \Re*lapse"\ (r?-l?ps"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Relapsed}
   (-l?pst"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Relapsing}.] [L. relapsus, p. p.
   of relabi to slip back, to relapse; pref. re- re- + labi to
   fall, slip, slide. See {Lapse}.]
   1. To slip or slide back, in a literal sense; to turn back.
      [Obs.] --Dryden.

   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.                           --Cowper.

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

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