The act of quitting the Army or Navy without leave, with intention not to return.
·noun Abandonment by God; spiritual despondency. II. Desertion ·noun The state of being forsaken; d...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
The sum of three pounds paid to him who apprehends a deserter, which is charged against the offender...
The Sailor's Word-Book
Are criminal by law, even in the crew of a merchant-ship. Such poltroonery is very rare. ...