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misprision definition

mis·pri·sion (mis priz̸h′ən)

noun

  1. a mistake, now especially one due to misreading, either deliberate or unintended, or to misunderstanding
  2. scorn; contempt
  3. Law
    1. misconduct or neglect of duty, esp. by a public official
    2. act of contempt against a government or court

Etymology: ME mesprision < OFr < pp. of mesprendre, to take wrongly < mes-, mis- + prendre < L prehendere, to take: see prehensile

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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