Maltreatment
A Dictionary of Law · Henry Campbell Black · 1891
A Dictionary of Law
In reference to the treatment of his patient by a surgeon, this term signifies improper or unskillful treatment; it may result either from ignorance, neglect, or willfulness; but the word does not necessarily imply that the conduct of the surgeon, in his treatment of the patient, is either wilifully or grossly careless.
2 Allen, 142.