felony
UK[ˈfeləni]US[ˈfeləni]
n
a serious crime, typically one involving violence, regarded as more severe than a misdemeanor.
Etymology
the term 'felony' entered english in the medieval period through the anglo-norman french 'felonie', which itself originated from the medieval latin 'fellonia'. this latin term was derived from 'fello', meaning an evildoer or traitor, a word of germanic origin likely related to the notion of one who is 'fell' or cruel. the concept evolved from a general sense of wickedness and treachery to its specific legal meaning in english common law, denoting a serious crime that breached the feudal bond of loyalty and, later, any grave offense against the state. this journey reflects the transformation of a personal moral failing into a formal category of public criminal law.
Analysis
the word is a simplex. it is a loanword from anglo-norman french, derived from old french 'felonie', meaning wickedness or treachery.
Examples
armed robbery is considered a felony in all jurisdictions.
the charge was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.
a felony conviction can result in the loss of certain civil rights.