misprision

1
[ mis-prizh-uh n ]
/ mɪsˈprɪʒ ən /

noun

a neglect or violation of official duty by one in office.
failure by one not an accessory to prevent or notify the authorities of treason or felony.
a contempt against the government, monarch, or courts, as sedition, lese majesty, or a contempt of court.
a mistake; misunderstanding.

Origin of misprision

1
1375–1425; late Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French mesprision, equivalent to mes- mis-1 + prision < Latin prēnsiōn-, variant of prehēnsiōn- (stem of prehēnsiō) prehension

Definition for misprision (2 of 2)

misprision 2
[ mis-prizh-uh n ]
/ mɪsˈprɪʒ ən /

noun

contempt or scorn.

Origin of misprision

2
First recorded in 1580–90; misprise + -ion

Example sentences from the Web for misprision

British Dictionary definitions for misprision (1 of 2)

misprision 1
/ (mɪsˈprɪʒən) /

noun

  1. a failure to inform the proper authorities of the commission of an act of treason
  2. the deliberate concealment of the commission of a felony

Word Origin for misprision

C15: via Anglo-French from Old French mesprision error, from mesprendre to mistake, from mes- mis- 1 + prendre to take

British Dictionary definitions for misprision (2 of 2)

misprision 2
/ (mɪsˈprɪʒən) /

noun archaic

contempt
failure to appreciate the value of something

Word Origin for misprision

C16: from misprize