Definitions for: Misdemeanor


[n] a crime less serious than a felony



Webster (1913) Definition: Mis`de*mean"or, n.
1. Ill behavior; evil conduct; fault. --Shak.

2. (Law) A crime less than a felony. --Wharton.

Note: As a rule, in the old English law, offenses capitally
punishable were felonies; all other indictable offenses
were misdemeanors. In common usage, the word crime is
employed to denote the offenses of a deeper and more
atrocious dye, while small faults and omissions of less
consequence are comprised under the gentler name of
misdemeanors. --Blackstone. The distinction, however,
between felonies and misdemeanors is purely arbitrary,
and is in most jurisdictions either abrogated or so far
reduced as to be without practical value. Cf. Felony.
--Wharton.

Syn: Misdeed; misconduct; misbehavior; fault; trespass;
transgression.

Synonyms: infraction, infringement, misdemeanour, offence, offense, violation

See Also: bearing false witness, breach of the peace, crime, disorderly behavior, disorderly conduct, disturbance of the peace, false pretence, false pretense, indecent exposure, law-breaking, lying under oath, perjury, public nudity, sedition

 Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat



Related Resources:
animlas that start with e