misfeasance

[ mis-fee-zuh ns ]
/ mɪsˈfi zəns /

noun Law.

a wrong, actual or alleged, arising from or consisting of affirmative action.
the wrongful performance of a normally lawful act; the wrongful and injurious exercise of lawful authority.

Origin of misfeasance

From the Anglo-French word mesfesance, dating back to 1590–1600. See mis-1, feasance

Example sentences from the Web for misfeasance

British Dictionary definitions for misfeasance

misfeasance
/ (mɪsˈfiːzəns) /

noun

law the improper performance of an act that is lawful in itself Compare malfeasance, nonfeasance

Derived forms of misfeasance

misfeasor, noun

Word Origin for misfeasance

C16: from Old French mesfaisance, from mesfaire to perform misdeeds