misdemean

American  

[mis-di-meen] / ˌmɪs dɪˈmin /

verb (used with object)

1. Rare. to misbehave (oneself).

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misdemean British  

/ ˌmɪsdɪˈmiːn /

verb

1. a rare word for misbehave

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Etymology

Origin of misdemean

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 From Sea to Sea Letters of Travel by Kipling, Rudyard

Hence we’re inevitably blind, Relating to the Bag behind; 517 But when our neighbours misdemean, Our censures are exceeding keen.

From The Fables of Phædrus Literally translated into English prose with notes by Riley, Henry T. (Henry Thomas)

"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 Beatrix of Clare by Underwood, Clarence F.