3. (Law)
Defn: The omission of the care usual under the circumstances, being convertible with the Roman culpa. A specialist is bound to higher skill and diligence in his specialty than one who is not a specialist, and liability for negligence varies acordingly. Contributory negligence. See under Contributory.
Syn. — Neglect; inattention; heedlessness; disregard; slight. — Negligence, Neglect. These two words are freely interchanged in our older writers; but a distinction has gradually sprung up between them. As now generally used, negligence is the habit, and neglect the act, of leaving things undone or unattended to. We are negligent as a general trait of character; we are guilty of neglect in particular cases, or in reference to individuals who had a right to our attentions.
NEGLIGENT
Neg"li*gent, a. Etym: [F. négligent, L. negligens,p.pr. of negligere.
See Neglect.]
Defn: Apt to neglect; customarily neglectful; characterized by negligence; careless; heedless; culpably careless; showing lack of attention; as, disposed in negligent order. "Be thou negligent of fame." Swift. He that thinks he can afford to be negligent is not far from being poor. Rambler.
Syn. — Careles; heedless; neglectful; regardless; thoughtless; indifferent; inattentive; remiss.
NEGLIGENTLY
Neg"li*gent*ly, adv.
Defn: In a negligent manner.
NEGLIGIBLE
Neg"li*gi*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. F. négligible, négligeable.]
Defn: That may neglicted, disregarded, or left out of consideration.
Within very negligible limits of error. Sir J. Herschel.