Fault
in mining and geology, the sudden interruption of the continuity of strata till then on the same plane, this being accompanied by a crack or fissure varying in width from a mere line to several feet, generally filled with broken stones, clay, or similar material. There are faults in some sections, of which the horizontal extent is 30 miles or more, the vertical displacement varying from 600 to 3,000 feet, and the width of the fissures filled up ranging from 10 to 50 feet. In hunting, a check, the losing of the scent.
In tennis, an improper service. At fault, at a loss; in a difficulty; puzzled; embarrassed.