malice prepense

• IPA^(key): /ˈmælɪs pɹɪˈpɛns/

malice prepense (uncountable)

1. Malice aforethought.
   • 1885–1888, Richard F[rancis] Burton, transl. and editor, “Night 11”, in A Plain and Literal Translation of the Arabian Nights’ Entertainments, now Entituled The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night […], Shammar edition, volume (please specify the volume), [London]: […] Burton Club […], →OCLC:

     Quoth I, "This I did by accident not of malice prepense;" and quoth he, "If thou didst it by accident, I will do the like by thee with intention."

   • 1890, Henry James, The Tragic Muse:

     Mrs. Dallow complied, placing herself opposite to him in the boat; but as he took up the paddles she declared that she preferred to remain on the water—there was too much malice prepense in the temple. He asked her what she meant by that, and she said it was ridiculous to withdraw to an island a few feet square on purpose to meditate. She had nothing to meditate about which required so much attitude.