felonious

views updated May 18 2018

fe·lo·ni·ous / fəˈlōnēəs/ • adj. of, relating to, or involved in crime: they turned their felonious talents to the smuggling trade. ∎  Law relating to or of the nature of felony: his conduct was felonious.DERIVATIVES: fe·lo·ni·ous·ly adv.

Felonious

views updated May 18 2018

FELONIOUS

Done with an intent to commit a serious crime or a felony; done with an evil heart or purpose; malicious; wicked; villainous.

An aggravated assault, such as an assault with an intent to murder, is a felonious assault. A simple assault, such as one done with an intent to frighten, is not felonious.