ˈmɪstʃɪf n. 1
conduct which is
troublesome, but
not malicious,
esp. in
children. 2 pranks, scrapes (get
into mischief;
keep out of mischief). 3
playful malice, archness,
satire (eyes full of mischief). 4
harm or
injury caused by a
person or
thing. 5 a person or thing
responsible for harm or annoyance (that
loose connection is
the mischief). 6 (prec. by the) the annoying
part or
aspect (the mischief of it is
that etc.). ødo a person a mischief wound or
kill a person.
get up to (or make) mischief
create discord. mischief-maker
one who encourages discord, esp. by
gossip etc. [ME f. OF meschief f. meschever (as
MIS-(2), chever
come to an
end f.
chef head: see CHIEF)]