felonry

[ fel-uhn-ree ]

noun

1. the whole body or class of felons.
2. the convict population of a penal colony.

felonry

/ ˈfɛlənrɪ /

noun

1. felons collectively
2. (formerly) the convict population of a penal colony, esp in Australia

Word History and Origins

Origin of felonry¹

First recorded in 1830–40; felon ¹ + -ry

Example Sentences

Mudie, `Felonry of New South Wales,' p. vii.:

From Project Gutenberg

His descriptions of the "felonry"—a cutting term devised by himself, are grotesque and amusing.

From Project Gutenberg

Page 149, for "Macarthur's New South Wales," read "Mudie's Felonry."

From Project Gutenberg

Hanbridge, sadly failing to appreciate the importance of Bursley’s Felonry, had suggested that the feast might be moved a couple of days.

From Project Gutenberg

Albert Benbow, who for years had been hearing about the brilliant funniness of the American Consul at these dinners, was so flattered by his Felonry that he would have been ready to put the letters S P F after his name.

From Project Gutenberg

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