ˈtri:zn n. 1 (in full
high treason: see
note below) violation by a
subject of
allegiance to
the sovereign or to the
State,
esp. by attempting to
kill or
overthrow the sovereign or to overthrow the
government. 2 (in full
petty treason)
hist.
murder of one's
master or
husband, regarded as a
form of treason. °The
crime of petty treason
was abolished in 1828; the
term high treason, originally
distinguished from petty treason,
now has the
same meaning as treason. øøtreasonous adj. [ME f. AF treisoun
etc., OF traìson, f. L traditio handing
over (as TRADITION)]