misnomer

3 definitions found

misnomer - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Misnomer \Mis*no"mer\, v. t.
     To misname. [R.]
     [1913 Webster]

  Misnomer \Mis*no"mer\, n. [OF. pref. mes- amiss, wrong (L. minus
     less) + F. nommer to name, L. nominare, fr. nomen name. See
     Name.]
     The misnaming of a person in a legal instrument, as in a
     complaint or indictment; any misnaming of a person or thing;
     a wrong or inapplicable name or title.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Many of the changes, by a great misnomer, called
           parliamentary "reforms".                 --Burke.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           The word "synonym" is fact a misnomer.   --Whately.
     [1913 Webster]

misnomer - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  misnomer
      n 1: an incorrect or unsuitable name