Elapse \E*lapse"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Elapsed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Elapsing}.] [L. elapsus, p. p. of elabi to glide away; e out + labi to fall, slide. See {Lapse}.] To slip or glide away; to pass away silently, as time; -- used chiefly in reference to time.
Eight days elapsed; at length a pilgrim came. --Hoole.
There was some pretty football on display, especially against Germany, but more is needed if 44 more years are not to elapse. Colombia have not enjoyed a great fortnight.
Specifically, the new laws would limit the number of years that have to elapse before a person with knowledge of state secrets is allowed to leave.