-nē, -ni noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French larcin theft (from Latin latrocinium robbery, from latron-, latro mercenary soldier, brigand) + Middle English -y, -ie -y — more at latron
1. common law : the unlawful taking and carrying away of personal property without the consent of its lawful possessor whereby every part of the property stolen is removed however slightly from its former position and is at least momentarily in the complete possession of the thief and with intent to steal or to deprive the rightful owner of his property permanently — compare embezzlement ; see aggravated larceny , grand larceny , petty larceny , simple larceny
2. : any of various statutory offenses whereby property is obtained by embezzlement, trick, false pretenses, fraud, breach of trust, or theft