misalliance

See also: mésalliance

English

Etymology

From mis- +‎ alliance, partly after French mésalliance.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˌmɪsəˈlaɪəns/

Noun

misalliance (plural misalliances)

1. An unsuitable alliance, especially an unsuitable marriage. [from 18th c.]
   • 1932, Duff Cooper, Talleyrand, Folio Society, published 2010, page 97:

     A misalliance is more shocking to a Frenchman than to an Englishman, and Talleyrand was very French in his appreciation of the importance of family, and in his insistence upon outward correctness of behaviour.

Usage notes

• See usage notes at mésalliance.