Defn: See Misprize. [Obs.] Shak.
MISPRISE Mis*prise", v. t. Etym: [OF. mesprise mistake, F. méprise, fr. mespris, masc., mesprise, fem., p. p. of mesprendre to mistake; F. méprendre; pref. mes- amiss + prendre to take, L. prehendere.]
Defn: To mistake. [Obs.] Shak.
MISPRISION
Mis*pri"sion, n. Etym: [LL. misprisio, or OF. mesprison, prop., a
mistaking, but confused with OF. mespris contempt, F. mépris. See 2d
Misprise, Misprize, Prison.]
1. The act of misprising; misapprehension; misconception; mistake. [Archaic] Fuller. The misprision of this passage has aided in fostering the delusive notion. Hare.
2. Neglect; undervaluing; contempt. [Obs.] Shak.
3. (Law)
Defn: A neglect, negligence, or contempt.
Note: In its larger and older sense it was used to signify "every considerable misdemeanor which has not a certain name given to it in the law." Russell. In a more modern sense it is applied exclusively to two offenses: —1. Misprision of treason, which is omission to notify the authorities of an act of treason by a person cognizant thereof. Stephen. 2. Misprision of felony, which is a concealment of a felony by a person cognizant thereof. Stephen.
MISPRIZE
Mis*prize", v. t. Etym: [OF. mesprisier to deprise, F. mépriser;
pref. amiss, wrong (L. minus less + LL. pretium price. See price,
Prize, v.]