n. | 1. | (Feudal Law) An act on the part of the vassal which cost him his fee by forfeiture. |
2. | (O.Eng.Law) An offense which occasions a total forfeiture either lands or goods, or both, at the common law, and to which capital or other punishment may be added, according to the degree of guilt. | |
3. | A heinous crime; especially, a crime punishable by death or imprisonment. | |
See under Compound, |
Noun | 1. | felony - a serious crime (such as murder or arson) |