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default、1985年の“Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of Current English”にはこう出てる

n. failure to act: to win a case/a game by 〜, because the other party/team/player does not appear.
in 〜 of, in the absence of if (sth) is not to be obtained, does not take place, etc.

vi. fail to perform a duty, or to appear (eg in a law court) when required to do so, or to pay a debt.

少なくともPCの「デフォルト設定」みたいなニュアンスは、この時点の小さな英英辞典には載って無いのだな。