misplay

[ noun mis-pley, mis-pley; verb mis-pley ]

noun

1. a wrong or bad play.
2. a play prohibited by the rules.

verb (used with object)

1. to make an error or incorrect play on or with; play wrongly:

   The catcher misplayed the ball, allowing the base runner to score.

2. to make a play on or with (a card, chess piece, etc.) prohibited by the rules.

misplay

/ ˌmɪsˈpleɪ /

verb

1. tr to play badly or wrongly in games or sports

   the batsman misplayed the ball

noun

1. a wrong or unskilful play

Word History and Origins

Origin of misplay¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; mis- ¹ + play

Example Sentences

Miss Erskine fidgeted in her seat, gave half smothered exclamations, looked at him appealingly at every misplay.

From Project Gutenberg

A year later and he had learned that a misplay, even though it lose the game for your side, may in time be lived down.

From Project Gutenberg

His misplay had taken his nerve, and for a while he went thoroughly to pieces.

From Project Gutenberg

If a player misplay, whether with his own or another ball, he forfeits his next tour.

From Project Gutenberg

This case is excluded from the definition of misplay, and the penalty exacted is less.

From Project Gutenberg