n. & v.
n. 1 a an offence punishable by law. b illegal acts as a whole (resorted to crime). 2 an evil act (a crime against humanity). 3 colloq. a shameful act (a crime to tease them). 4 a soldier's offence against military regulations.
v.tr. Mil. etc. charge with or convict of an offence. crime-sheet Mil. a record of a defendant's offences. crime wave a sudden increase in crime. crime-writer a writer of detective fiction or thrillers.
[ ME f. OF f. L crimen -minis judgement, offence ]