DILAPIDATION, in Law, signifies both a wasteful destroying, and the suffering buildings to fall to decay for want of necessary repairs. If a clergyman neglect to repair any house or building belonging to his benefice, the bishop may sequester the profits thereof for that purpose; and in such a case a prosecution may be brought, either in the spiritual court or at common law, against the incumbent himself, or against his executor or administrator. Dilapidation extends also to the waste or destruction of wood, &c.