missay

[ mis-sey ]

verb (used with object)

, mis·said, mis·say·ing.

1. to say or speak ill of; vilify; slander.
2. to say wrongly.

verb (used without object)

, mis·said, mis·say·ing.

1. to speak wrongly or incorrectly.

Other Words From

• mis·sayer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of missay¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, missay is from the Middle English word misseyen. See mis- ¹, say ¹

Example Sentences

Spenser knew the name well: “Diggon Davie, I bid her ‘good-day;’ Or Diggon her is, or I missay.”

From Project Gutenberg

Missay, mis-sā′, v.i. to say or speak incorrectly or falsely.—v.t. to utter amiss: to slander.

From Project Gutenberg

“Thou dost not missay thyself,” said she.

From Project Gutenberg

Spenser," he continues, "begins one of his pastorals with studied barbarity: Diggon Davie, I bid her good day; Or Diggon her is, or I missay.

From Project Gutenberg

For understand plainly, Pietro; I am a woman like other women and have a mind unto that which other women desire; so that, an I procure me thereof, not having it from thee, thou hast no call to missay of me therefor; at the least, I do thee this much honour that I have not to do with horseboys and scald-heads.'

From Project Gutenberg