ˈtrēz ə n noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English tresoun, from Old French traison, from Medieval Latin tradition-, traditio, from Latin, action of handing over, teaching, tradition, from traditus (past participle of tradere to hand over, betray) + -ion, -io -ion — more at traitor
1. : the betrayal of a trust or confidence : breach of faith : perfidy , treachery
corruption in public office is treason — A.E.Stevenson b.1900
2.
a. : the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injure the sovereign or his family — see high treason 1
b.
(1) : the betrayal in early English law of a lord by his vassal
(2) : the violation in early feudal law by a vassal of his allegiance to his superior by one or more undefined acts of a serious nature (as betrayal to an enemy, adultery with the superior's wife, or forgery of his seal) — see petit treason
3. obsolete : an act or an instance of treason
rebellions and treasons against their princes — Matthew Sutcliffe