misapplied

But it will be incumbent on such an one, first to explain with precision why they are to be exempted from its operation, and this he will find an impossible task; for sincerity, in its popular sense, so shamefully is the term misapplied, can be made the criterion of guilt and innocence on no grounds, which will not equally serve to justify the assassins who have been instanced.

A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians, in the Middle and Higher Classes in this Country, Contrasted with Real Christianity. William Wilberforce 1796

The alacrity and instinctive hospitality with which these men rushed about to make things comfortable were very fascinating, though comfort is a word misapplied in an Aino hut.

Unbeaten Tracks in Japan Isabella Lucy 2004

"What do you call misapplied energy?" said Markland.

The Good Time Coming 1847

"What do you call misapplied energy?" said Markland.

The Good Time Coming 1847

"What do you call misapplied energy?" said Markland.

The Good Time Coming 1847

While Peter was employed in turning over some boxes of muslin, a young white gentleman (oh, how much is this word misapplied and abused in everyday life!) entered, and, going up to Peter, gave him a switch over the back with a cane, saying, "You blasted neegur! is that the way to place a box -- with the marked end down?"

The Life and Adventures of Zamba, an African Negro King; and His Experience of Slavery in South Carolina. Written by Himself. Corrected and Arranged by Peter Neilson. 1847

We see that phrase misapplied virtually every day.

Victorville Daily Press : 2008

I have seen this moniker misapplied to the product and I don't like.

Kevin Closson's Oracle Blog: Platform, Storage & Clustering Topics Related to Oracle Databases kevinclosson 2008

Human beings are composed, not of reason only, but of imagination also, and sentiment; and that is neither wasted nor misapplied which is appropriated to the purpose of giving right direction to sentiments, and opening proper springs of feeling in the heart.

Standard Selections A Collection and Adaptation of Superior Productions From Best Authors For Use in Class Room and on the Platform Various

Human beings are composed not of reason only, but of imagination also, and sentiment; and that is neither wasted nor misapplied which is appropriated to the purpose of giving right direction to sentiments, and opening proper springs of feeling in the heart.

I. The First Bunker Hill Monument Oration 1906