misnomer

Noun

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. an incorrect or unsuitable name
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Misnomer \Mis*no"mer\, v. t. To misname. [R.] [1913 Webster]
Misnomer \Mis*no"mer\, n. [OF. pref. mes- amiss, wrong (L. minus less) + F. nommer to name, L. nominare, fr. nomen name. See Name.] The misnaming of a person in a legal instrument, as in a complaint or indictment; any misnaming of a person or thing; a wrong or inapplicable name or title. [1913 Webster]

Many of the changes, by a great misnomer, called parliamentary "reforms". --Burke. [1913 Webster]

The word "synonym" is fact a misnomer. --Whately. [1913 Webster]

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