Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Misadventure \Mis`ad*ven"ture\ (?; 135), n. [OE. mesaventure, F.
   m['e]saventure.]
   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.