misfeasance
[mis-fee-zuh ns]
- 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.
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Compare malfeasance, nonfeasance.
Origin of misfeasance
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for misfeasance
Historical Examples
The sheriff could be sued for misfeasance such as bribery in the King's court.
Our Legal Heritage, 5th Ed.S. A. Reilly
In the language of the courts, an agent is liable to third parties for malfeasance, but not for misfeasance.
The President cannot be held responsible for the misfeasance of subordinates, unless adopted, or at least tolerated, by him.
Charles Sumner; his complete works, volume 9 (of 20)Charles Sumner
Misfeasance and malfeasance in public office ought to be considered an unpardonable crime, and the guilty dealt with accordingly.
A Book Written by the Spirits of the So-Called DeadC. G. Helleberg
If any loss has arisen to the estate from any misfeasance, neglect or omission of the trustee, it may require him to make it good.
misfeasance
- law the improper performance of an act that is lawful in itselfCompare malfeasance, nonfeasance
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Word Origin
C16: from Old French mesfaisance, from mesfaire to perform misdeeds
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for misfeasance
n.
"wrongful exercise of lawful authority or improper performance of a lawful act," 1590s, from Middle French mesfaisance, from mesfaisant, present participle of Old French mesfaire "to misdo," from mes- "wrongly" (see mis- (2)) + faire "to do," from Latin facere "to perform" (see factitious).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper