from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Lese majesty \Lese` maj"es*ty\, Leze majesty \Leze`
maj"es*ty\(l[=e]z` m[a^]j"[e^]s*t[y^]) n. [F. lese-majest['e],
fr. L. laesus, fem. laesa, injured (see {Lesion}) + majestas
majesty; that is, crimen laesae majestatis.] [Written also
{l[`e]se majesty}.]
1. (Law) Any crime committed against the sovereign power, or
against a ruler.
[1913 Webster]
2. Any affront to the dignity of an eminent or respected
person.
[PJC]
3. An attack against an institution or custom revered by the
majority in a society.
[PJC]