larceny

plural larcenies

1. uncountablelawThe unlawful taking of personal property as an attempt to deprive the legal owner of it permanently.First known use mid-15th c.

   “Why are you walking around,” inquired Oedipa, “with your eyes closed, Metzger?” “Larceny,” Metzger said, “maybe they'll need a lawyer.”

   1966 March, Thomas Pynchon, chapter 3, in The Crying of Lot 49, New York, N.Y.: Bantam Books, published November 1976, →ISBN, page 37

   1 more example

   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.

   1986, John le Carré, A Perfect Spy

   Synonyms: theft, robbery

2. countablelawAn individual instance of such a taking.

   That young man already has four assaults, a DUI, and a larceny on his record.