Some Definitions

treason, (trê1zen) in U.S. law, crime of levying war against the U.S. or giving aid and comfort to its enemies. For a conviction, the constitution requires the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or confession in open court. There have been few prosecutions for treason in the U.S.; the most famous federal treason trial, that of Aaron Burr in 1807, resulted in acquittal. John Brown was convicted (1859) under a Virginia state treason law.

treason (trê1zen) noun

1. Violation of allegiance toward one's country or sovereign, especially the betrayal of one's country by waging war against it or by consciously and purposely acting to aid its enemies.

2. A betrayal of trust or confidence. [Middle English, from Anglo-Norman treson, from Latin trâditio, trâdition-, a handing over. See tradition.]

Treachery "Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it treason." Sir John Harington (1561-1612), English writer, courtier. Epigrams, bk. 4, Of Treason (1618).

Spies "I cannot think that espionage can be recommended as a technique for building an impressive civilisation. It's a lout's game." Rebecca West (1892-1983), British author. Introduction to 1982 ed. of The Meaning of Treason (first published 1949).

Quisling, Vidkun,1887-1945, Norwegian fascist leader. Minister of defense (1931-33), he founded the fascist Nasjonal Samling national unity party. He helped the Germans prepare the conquest of Norway (1940), and they installed him as premier (1942-45). After the war he was tried for high treason and shot. From his name came the word quisling [traitor].

sedition: stirring up public rebellion; inciting political and violent revolt

Devereux, Robert Devereux (dèv1e-r´), Robert. Second Earl of Essex 1566-1601 English nobleman and favorite of Elizabeth I. He was executed for treason after taking part in an uprising of the people of London.

Raleigh or Ralegh (rô1lê, rä1-), Sir Walter 1552?-1618 English courtier, navigator, colonizer, and writer. A favorite of Elizabeth I, he campaigned in Ireland and Cádiz, explored Guiana, colonized Virginia, and introduced tobacco and the potato to Europe. Convicted of treason by James I, he was released for another expedition to Guiana and executed after its failure. His literary works include poetry, memoirs, and a world history.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language