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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L crimen -minis judgement, offence