n. [ L., fr. malefacere to do evil; male ill, evil + facere to do. See Malice, and Fact. ] 1. An evil doer; one who commits a crime; one subject to public prosecution and punishment; a criminal. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. One who does wrong by injuring another, although not a criminal. Opposite of benefactor. H. Brooke. Fuller. “Malefactors of great wealth.” [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]