misgive verb. [mɪs'gɪv] Pa. t. -gave [-geɪv]; pa. pple -given [-'gɪv(ǝ)n]. E16.
[from MIS-¹ 1, 5 + GIVE verb.]
1. verb trans. Of a person's mind, heart, etc.: incline (the person) to doubt or apprehension, fill with suspicion or foreboding, (about); cause to fear that. E16.
■ V. Ackland We were to set out on a honeymoon. My heart misgave me.
b. verb intrans. Of the mind, (rare) a person, etc.: have misgivings. E17.

2. verb intrans. Fail, go wrong; spec. (of a gun) misfire. Chiefly Scot. L16.

3. verb trans. Give wrongly. Now rare. E17.
■ J. Ruskin His swift correction of my misgiven Wordsworth's line.

■ misgiver noun (rare) a person who has misgivings E17.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲