larceny
/ˈlɑɹ.sə.ni/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.90 in modern English
12
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
3
Syllables
7
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
The unlawful taking of personal property as an attempt to deprive the legal owner of it permanently.
Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "“Why are you walking around,” inquired Oedipa, “with your eyes closed, Metzger?” “Larceny,” Metzger said, “maybe they'll need a lawyer.”"
- "He was prudent enough not to admit he was earning money, which went down well with you, for you knew already he was working “black,” as the Germans call it — meaning illegally, and at night. Shrewd chap, you thought; resourceful; not above a bit of larceny."
- "That young man already has four assaults, a DUI, and a larceny on his record."
Etymology
Coined in Middle English (as larceni) between 1425 and 1475 from Anglo-Norman larcin (“theft”), from Latin latrocinium (“robbery”), from latro (“robber, mercenary”), from Ancient Greek λάτρον (látron, “pay, hire”). Doublet of latrociny.
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: -, larcin, latrocinium, λάτρον
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈlɑɹ.sə.ni/
- British English: /ˈlɑː.sən.i/
Usage
Subject
Wiktionary places this term in Law.