petit treason

or pet·ty trea·son

[ pet-ee tree-zuhn ]

noun

, English Law.

1. the killing of a husband by his wife, of a lord by his servant, or of an ecclesiastic by a subordinate ecclesiastic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of petit treason¹

Borrowed into English from Anglo-French around 1490–1500

Example Sentences

In 1726 Mrs. Catherine Hayes was burnt alive, doubtless for high or petit treason.

From Project Gutenberg

For the wifes crime of petit treason the penalty was that of the slave who had killed her master.

From Project Gutenberg

The punishment of petit treason in a man is to be drawn and hanged, and in a woman to be drawn and burnt.Commentaries, Vol.

From Project Gutenberg

I have said that this is the only case of petit treason to be found in our records.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence it is that killing a husband, or a master is distinguished under the name of petit treason.

From Project Gutenberg