MISDEMEANOR, n. An infraction of the law having less dignity than a felony and constituting no claim to admittance into the best criminal society.
Interpretation
The quote humorously differentiates between misdemeanors and felonies, suggesting that even criminals have societal hierarchies.
Ambrose Bierce's definition of 'misdemeanor' satirizes the legal system by implying that even minor infractions are looked down upon when compared to serious crimes like felonies. The quote highlights the absurdity of how society views criminality and suggests that there is an elitism even within those who break the law, humorously pushing the idea that some crimes are more socially acceptable than others.
In practice
In a discussion about criminal justice, one might say, 'As Ambrose Bierce wisely noted, a misdemeanor is simply considered beneath the dignity of a felony.'
PALM, n. A species of tree . . . of which the familiar "itching palm" ("Palma hominis") is most widely distributed . . . . This noble vegetable exudes a kind of invisible gum, which may be detected by applying to the bark a piece of gold or silver.
Human nature is pretty well balanced; for every lacking virtue there is a rough substitute that will serve at a pinch--as cunning is the wisdom of the unwise, and ferocity the courage of the coward.
Indigestion: A disease which the patient and his friends frequently mistake for deep religious conviction and concern for the salvation of mankind. As the simple Red Man of the Western Wild put it, with, it must be confessed, a certain force: 'Plenty well, no pray; big belly ache, heap God.'
Disobey n:To celebrate with an appropriate ceremony the maturity of a command
NOUMENON, n. That which exists, as distinguished from that which merely seems to exist, the latter being a phenomenon. The noumenon is a bit difficult to locate; it can be apprehended only by a process of reasoning - which is a phenomenon.
PARDON, v. To remit a penalty and restore to the life of crime. To add to the lure of crime the temptation of ingratitude.
I'm not a vegetarian, but I eat animals who are.
Tell the cook of this restaurant with my compliments that these are the very worst sandwiches in the whole world, and that, when I ask for a watercress sandwich, I do not mean a loaf with a field in the middle of it.
What is this demilitarized zone? Whatever it is, I like it! Gets you on your toes better than a strong cup of cappuccino.
A bore is someone who deprives you of solitude without providing you with company.
A clever conjurer is welcome anywhere, and those of us whose powers of entertainment are limited to the setting of booby-traps or the arranging of apple-pie beds must view with envy the much greater tribute of laughter and applause which is the lot of the prestidigitator with some natural gift for legerdemain.
What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps one in a continual state of inelegance.
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