misdemeanor
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Pronunciation
- Hyphenation: mis‧de‧mean‧or
[edit] Alternative forms
- misdemeanour (UK)
[edit] Etymology
Mis (prefix) against, opposing & Demeanour: originally from Demean, a later form of Demesne; master, power, domain, owner; and the suffix "our" from cour - course, run. Therefore Misdemeanour means "Against the way the owners or those with power run".
[edit] Noun
misdemeanor (plural misdemeanors) (US)
- (law) A crime usually punishable upon conviction by a small fine or by a short term of imprisonment. Crimes which are punishable by large fines or by longer imprisonment are usually called felonies.
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Translations
small crime
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