larceny
lar·ce·ny
noun \-nē, -sə-nē\ plural lar·ce·nies
Definition of LARCENY
: the unlawful taking of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently
See Examples of LARCENY
- He was arrested and charged with larceny.
- He has been accused of several larcenies.
Origin of LARCENY
Middle English, from Anglo-French larecin theft, from Latin latrocinium robbery, from latron-, latro mercenary soldier, probably from Greek *latrōn, from latron pay
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to LARCENY
Related Words: burglary, housebreaking; embezzlement, embezzling, graft, misapplication, misappropriation, peculation; petit larceny, petty larceny; filching, pilferage, pilfering, purloining, shoplifting; abduction, carjacking, hijacking (also highjacking), kidnapping (also kidnaping), shanghaiing; despoilment, despoliation, looting, pillage, plundering, rapine, spoliation; poaching, rustling; black marketeering, smuggling; banditry, piracy
Other Legal Terms
Learn More About LARCENY
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up larceny? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
