an offense, as murder or burglary, of graver character than those called misdemeanors, esp. those commonly punished in the U.S. by imprisonment for more than a year.

Early English Law . any crime punishable by death or mutilation and forfeiture of lands and goods.

noun

arson , assault , burglary , criminal offense , foul play , murder , offense , rape , robbery , violation , wrongdoingnotes:crime is from latin crimen \'judgment , accusation , offense\' and a crime is an act in violation of a law; a misdemeanor is a less serious crime while a felony is a major crime , illegality , misdeed , crime , kidnapping , sin