Felony

In American law

Any high crime punishable by death or imprisonment.

In English law

An offense which occasions a total forfeiture of either lands or goods, at common law, and to which capital or other punishment may be superadded. In feudal law. An act or offense on the part of the vassal, which cost him his fee, or, in consequence of which his fee fell into the hands of his lord, that is, became forfeited; perfidy, ingratitude or disloyalty to a lord.