petit larceny

[ pet-ee ]

noun

, Law.

1. petty larceny.

petit larceny

noun

1. (formerly in England) the stealing of property valued at 12 pence or under. Abolished 1827
2. (in some states of the US) the theft of property having a value below a certain figure

Derived Forms

• petit larcenist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of petit larceny¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

After the student refused, he was arrested in the middle of the cafeteria and charged with disorderly conduct and petit larceny.

From Washington Post

The Democratic party of the city of New York never had but two objects—grand and petit larceny.

From Project Gutenberg

It was petit larceny where the value was twelve pence or under, the punishment being imprisonment or whipping.

From Project Gutenberg

Except that good of small value taken without violence shall be punished as petit larceny.

From Project Gutenberg

Petit larceny and grand larceny differ only in the amount stolen.

From Project Gutenberg