misprision

¹

[ mis-prizh-uhn ]

noun

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

misprision

²

[ mis-prizh-uhn ]

noun

1. contempt or scorn.

misprision

¹

/ mɪsˈprɪʒən /

noun

1. 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

misprision

²

/ mɪsˈprɪʒən /

noun

1. contempt
2. failure to appreciate the value of something

Word History and Origins

Origin of misprision¹

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

Origin of misprision²

First recorded in 1580–90; misprise + -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of misprision¹

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

Origin of misprision²

C16: from misprize

Example Sentences

These pert, bird-like ways formed her shield against ridicule and misprision.

From Project Gutenberg

“You were guilty of misprision of treason in not revealing it,” remarked the Earl.

From Project Gutenberg

Fisher, who had been found guilty of misprision of treason, had so far been left unpunished.

From Project Gutenberg

A sensibility to injury, to fear, to harm, to misprision—a quick jealousy—suspicion—soreness!

From Project Gutenberg

These pert, birdlike ways formed her shield against ridicule and misprision.

From Project Gutenberg