Misrule definition | Dictionary.com

mis⋅rule

[mis-rool]

noun, verb, -ruled, -rul⋅ing.

–noun

1.	bad or unwise rule; misgovernment.

2.	disorder or lawlessness.

–verb (used with object)

3.	to misgovern.

Origin:
1300–50; ME misreulen (v.), misreule (n.). See mis- ¹ , rule

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

mis·rule (mĭs-rōōl') Pronunciation Key
n.

Disorder or lawless confusion.
Inept or unwise rule; misgovernment.

tr.v. mis·ruled, mis·rul·ing, mis·rules
To rule ineptly, unjustly, or unwisely; misgovern.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
misrule

1399, "bad government of a state;" see mis- (1) + rule. Meaning "disorderly conduct or living" is from c.1400, obsolete except in Lord of Misrule, one chosen to preside over Christmas games in a great house (1491).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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