misdemean

[ mis-di-meen ]

verb (used with object)

1. Rare. to misbehave (oneself).

misdemean

/ ˌmɪsdɪˈmiːn /

verb

1. a rare word for misbehave

Word History and Origins

Origin of misdemean¹

First recorded in 1520–30; mis- ¹ + demean ²( def )

Example Sentences

No one can flatter himself that in the multitude he is overlooked, or believe that between 4 P.M. and 9 A.M. he is at liberty to misdemean himself.

From Project Gutenberg

Here Fogg so misdemeaned himself, as to laugh through his nose, and the man Clover appeared to be suddenly interested in something that lay in a mulberry-tree opposite.

From Project Gutenberg

On the other hand, Chancellor Kent, in his Commentaries, had given support to the doctrine that a civil officer was liable to impeachment who misdemeaned himself in office.

From Project Gutenberg

"His Grace of Buckingham will be my voucher, though it will misdemean him much as against one who has a tymbestere for mistress and is a coward, as well."

From Project Gutenberg

My Lord Scales," said he, "lift the curtain; nay, sir, it misdemeans you not.

From Project Gutenberg