petty treason

Archaic. Murder of one’s employer or husband. • Until 1828, this act was considered treason under English law. — Also spelled petit treason.

petty treason 〈英〉轻叛逆罪相对于重叛逆罪〔high treason〕而言，包括仆人杀害主人、部下杀害长官、俗人杀害高级教士、妻子杀害丈夫等。轻叛逆罪的实质在于违反了对个人和家庭所负有的忠诚义务。1828年后对轻叛逆罪改按谋杀罪处理。