DictionaryRoot: demenure
Middle English

demenure

conduct, management

1 / 1
A small shoplifting offense receiving a proportionate police response: a shopper is being arrested beside a candy display, with one concealed candy bar visible in her coat pocket and the shopkeeper pointing it out.
noun

misdemeanor

mis-dih-MEE-ner/ˌmɪsdɪˈminər/

A minor criminal offense.

Etymology

The pieces mean 'wrong conduct,' matching the word's general sense of ill behavior or fault. Its legal use, present almost throughout its history, specifies an offense less serious than a felony.

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