thievery

American  

[thee-vuh-ree] / ˈθi və ri /

noun

plural

thieveries

1. the act or practice of thieving; theft.

2. something taken by theft.

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Usage

What does thievery mean? Thievery is the practice of thieving—stealing. Thieves lead a life of thievery.The words thief and theft are often used in situations in which a person steals in secret and without using force or violence. However, the word thievery is used in the context of all kinds of thefts, even violent ones. Thieve and thievery often imply that such activity is habitual or part of a criminal lifestyle.Example: He is a pirate, a rogue—he knows nothing but lies and thievery.

Etymology

Origin of thievery

First recorded in 1560–70; thieve + -ery