MISADVENTURE

mishap, misadventure, mischance

(noun) an instance of misfortune

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

misadventure (usually uncountable, plural misadventures)

An accidental mishap or misfortune.

Usage notes

• A "death by misadventure" is an accidental death not caused by any violation of law or criminal negligence.

Source: Wiktionary

Mis`ad*ven"ture, n. Etym: [OE. mesaventure, F. mésaventure.]

Definition: Mischance; misfortune; ill lick; unlucky accident; ill adventure. Chaucer. Homicide by misadventure (Law), homicide which occurs when a man, doing a lawful act, without any intention of injury, unfortunately kills another; -- called also excusable homicide. See Homicide. Blackstone.

Syn.

– Mischance; mishap; misfortune; disaster; calamity.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition