felony

Alternative forms

• fellonie

Etymology

From Middle English felony, felonie, from Old French felonie (“evil, immoral deed”), from felon (“evildoer”). Ultimately of Germanic origin. More at felon.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈfɛ.lə.ni/

Noun

felony (plural felonies)

1. (US, law) A serious criminal offense, which, under federal law, is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year or by death.