from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Decay \De*cay"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Decayed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Decaying}.] [OF. decaeir, dechaer, decheoir, F. d['e]choir,
to decline, fall, become less; L. de- + cadere to fall. See
{Chance}.]
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.
[1913 Webster]
Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey,
Where wealth accumulates and men decay. --Goldsmith.
[1913 Webster]