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DictionarywelshFailure to honor an obligation
verb

welsh

WELSH/welʃ/

to fail to honor a debt or promise

The woman welshes on her promise by taking the repaired chair without paying.

A two-stage scene shows a woman agreeing to pay a chair repairer, then taking the repaired chair while withholding the promised money.
Etymology
WelshProbable sourceEnglishrelating to Wales

Probably a disparaging extension of Welsh, reflecting a historical stereotype. That stereotype is not a factual claim about Welsh people.

More examples

  • She welshed on a bet and lost her friend's trust.
  • Don't welsh on your debt just because your friend forgot.
  • They accused the sponsor of welshing on its pledge.

Forms

welsh · welshes · welshed · welshing

Similar words

renege
Emphasizes backing out of a promise, agreement, or commitment.
default
Usually concerns required debt payments or other formal obligations.