Legal Dictionary
Main Entry:
lar·ce·nyPronunciation:
'lär-s&-nEFunction:
nounInflected Form:
plural -niesEtymology: 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-tE-/ : larceny of property having a market value below an amount fixed by law called also
petty larceny NOTE: Petit larceny is a misdemeanor.