Legal Definitions - malison

A malison is a historical term referring to a solemn declaration or pronouncement of ill will, misfortune, or divine punishment upon someone or something. Essentially, it means a curse.

• Example 1: In a historical novel set in medieval times, a powerful duke, enraged by a rebellious vassal, might publicly declare a malison upon the vassal's lineage, stating that their lands would become barren and their family would never again hold power.

  Explanation: This illustrates a malison as a formal, public pronouncement of severe misfortune and negative consequences, intended to bring harm or ill fate upon the recipient and their descendants.

• Example 2: An ancient will or land deed might contain a clause stating that any individual who attempts to unlawfully seize the property from the rightful heirs will suffer a malison, implying a severe misfortune or divine retribution would befall them.

  Explanation: Here, the malison acts as a deterrent, a formal declaration embedded within a legal-like document, warning of dire consequences for violating its terms.

• Example 3: During a period of religious conflict, a prominent ecclesiastical figure might have issued a malison against a group deemed heretical, declaring that their endeavors would fail, their crops would wither, and they would find no peace.

  Explanation: This demonstrates a malison as a formal, often public, declaration of divine disfavor and misfortune, pronounced by an authority figure with the intent of invoking negative outcomes.