(v. i.) To pass gradually from a sound, prosperous, or perfect
state, to one of imperfection, adversity, or dissolution; to waste
away; to decline; to fail; to become weak, corrupt, or disintegrated;
to rot; to perish; as, a tree decays; fortunes decay; hopes decay.
(v. t.) To cause to decay; to impair.
(v. t.) To destroy.
(n.) Gradual failure of health, strength, soundness, prosperity,
or of any species of excellence or perfection; tendency toward
dissolution or extinction; corruption; rottenness; decline;
deterioration; as, the decay of the body; the decay of virtue; the
decay of the Roman empire; a castle in decay.
(n.) Destruction; death.
(n.) Cause of decay.
