n.
Pronunciation: ' mis-ch ə f, ' mish-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English meschief, from Anglo-French, misfortune, hardship, from Old French meschever to come out badly, mes- + chief head, end ― more at CHIEF
Date: 14th century
1 : a specific injury or damage attributed to a particular agent
2 : a cause or source of harm, evil, or irritation especially : a person who causes mischief
3 a : action that annoys or irritates b : the quality or state of being mischievous : MISCHIEVOUSNESS <had mischief in his eyes>