Mis'-de-mēan'-or, n.
n. 1. Ill behavior; evil conduct; fault; mismanagement.
Sense 2. (Law.) Any crime less than a felony. The term applies to all offenses for which the law has not furnished a particular name. New Am. Cyc. Wharton. Burrill.
Crimes and misdemeanors are mere synonymous terms; but, in common usage, the word crime is made to denote offenses of a deeper and more atrocious dye, while small faults and omissions of less consequence are comprised under the gentler name of misdemeanors. Blackstone.
Synonyms—Misdeed; misconduct; misbehavior; fault; trespass; transgression.