malˈfēz ə n(t)s noun
also mal·fai·sance |malfə|zäⁿs
( -s )
Etymology: English mal- (I) + obsolete English feasance doing, execution, from Middle French faisance, from Old French, from fais- (stem of faire to make, do, from Latin facere ) + -ance — more at do
1. : wrongdoing , misconduct , misbehavior ; specifically : the doing by a public officer under color of authority of his office of something that is unwarranted, that he has contracted not to do, and that is legally unjustified and positively wrongful or contrary to law — called also malpractice ; distinguished from misfeasance, nonfeasance
2. : an act or instance of wrongdoing especially by a public officer under color of authority of his office