larceny

The story

1. Ancient Greek · derived fromλάτρον“pay, hire”
2. Latin · derived fromlatrocinium“robbery”
3. Anglo-Norman · derived fromlarcin“theft”
4. English todaylarceny

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.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• from mid-15th c. The unlawful taking of personal property as an attempt to deprive the legal owner of it permanently.