A misuse of the word, that is usually embarassing to the person misusing it, and amusing for the rest of us. Some examples (mostly from students):

Mal"a*prop*ism (?), n. [From Mrs. Malaprop, a character in Sheridan's drama, " The Rivals," who makes amusing blunders in her use of words. See Malapropos.]

A grotesque misuse of a word; a word so used.

 

© Webster 1913.

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