- larceny
- mid-15c., from Anglo-Fr. larcin (late 13c.), from O.Fr. larrecin "theft," from L. latrocinium "robbery," from latro (gen. latronis) "robber, bandit," also "hireling, mercenary," ult. from Gk. latron "pay, hire, wages." The former distinction between grand and petty larceny was of property valued at more than, or less than, 12 pence.