petit treason

American  

[pet-ee tree-zuhn] / ˈpɛt i ˈtri zən /

Or petty treason

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.

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Etymology

Origin of petit treason

Borrowed into English from Anglo-French around 1490–1500

Example Sentences

Reflections applicable to public and private Crimes.—The dangers arising from the progress of immorality to the safety of the State.—The leading offences made capital by the laws of England-29- considered, with the Punishment allotted to each; compared with, and illustrated by, the custom of other countries, in similar cases, both ancient and modern: namely, High Treason—Petit Treason:—Felonies against Life, viz.

From Project Gutenberg

I cannot say I had as much tolerance for the patriotism of Miss Bayard as I had for the petit treason of my sister.

From Project Gutenberg

At the term of the "Superiour Court of Judicature, Court of Assize, and General Goal Delivery," held at Cambridge on the second Tuesday of August following, the grand jury found a true bill for petit treason against Phillis, and against Mark and Robin as accessories before the fact.

From Project Gutenberg

But, to proceed with a definition of the crime committed by these negroes, and a more particular account of the punishment for petit treason:— By the statute 25 Edw.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg