felony
Pronunciation: /ˈfɛləni/
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Definition of felony
noun ( plural felonies)
In the US the distinction between felonies and misdemeanours usually depends on the penalties or consequences attaching to the crime. In English law felony originally comprised those offences (murder, wounding, arson, rape, and robbery) for which the penalty included forfeiture of land and goods. Forfeiture was abolished in 1870, and in 1967 felonies and misdemeanours were replaced by indictable and non-indictable offences
Origin:
Middle English: from Old French felonie, from felon (see felon1)