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The FindLaw Legal Dictionary -- free access to over 8260 definitions of legal terms. Search for a definition or browse our legal glossaries.

term:

Larceny

larceny n

pl: -nies
[modification of Anglo-French larcine theft, from Old French larrecin, from Latin latrocinium robbery, from latron- latro mercenary soldier, brigand]
: the unlawful taking and carrying away of personal property with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently
;also
: any of several types of theft (as embezzlement or obtaining another's property by false pretenses) that have been traditionally distinguished from larceny NOTE: Under the Model Penal Code and in states that follow it, larceny is a type of theft. In states where larceny is currently defined as a separate crime, it may include the crimes that were distinct from it under common law.

grand larceny
: felonious larceny of property having a value greater than an amount fixed by law
;also
: larceny accompanied by aggravating circumstances (as the use of threats)

larceny by trick
: larceny of property obtained by the use of misrepresentation esp. in getting an owner to hand over something in the belief that it is for temporary purposes compare false pretenses

larceny from the person
: larceny of property held by or within the immediate control of its owner

pet·it larceny
[pe-tē-]
: larceny of property having a market value below an amount fixed by law called also petty larceny NOTE: Petit larceny is a misdemeanor.



Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.

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