Law, illegal but not felonious act.
In US law, an offense less serious than a felony. A misdemeanor is an offense punishable by a relatively insevere penalty, such as a fine or short term in prison or a term of community service, while a felony carries more severe penalties, such as a term of imprisonment of a year or more up to the death penalty.
A crime less serious than a felony; SYN. misdemeanour, infraction, offence, offense, violation, infringement.