What does "misprision" mean?

Misprision: Neglect; undervaluing; contempt. [Obs.] Shak.

Additional senses

  1. 2.(Law) A neglect, negligence, or contempt. Note: In its larger and older sense it was used to signify "every considerable misdemeanor which has not a certain name given to it in the law." Russell. In a more modern sense it is applied exclusively to two offenses: --1. Misprision of treason, which is omission to notify the authorities of an act of treason by a person cognizant thereof. Stephen.
  2. 3.Misprision of felony, which is a concealment of a felony by a person cognizant thereof. Stephen.

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