Definition of Petty larceny

1. Noun. Larceny of property having a value less than some amount (the amount varies by locale).

Exact synonyms: Petit Larceny, Petty
Generic synonyms: Larceny, Stealing, Theft, Thievery, Thieving
Antonyms: Grand Larceny

Definition of Petty larceny

1. Noun. (legal) A misdemeanor larceny; an act of theft wherein the amount stolen is insufficient to constitute grand larceny. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Petty Larceny

pettle
pettled
pettles
pettling
petto
petty
petty(a)
petty apartheid
petty bourgeoisie
petty bourgeoisies
petty cash
petty criticism
petty juror
petty jury
petty larcenies
petty larceny (current term)
petty morel
petty officer
petty officers
petty spurge
petty theft
petty thefts
petty whin
pettychaps

Literary usage of Petty larceny

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The History of English Law Before the Time of Edward I. by Frederick Pollock, Frederic William Maitland (1898)
"As to petty larceny, this is punished sometimes by a Petty whipping, sometimes by pillory or tumbrel, sometimes by loss of an ear. ..."

2. The History of English Law Before the Time of Edward I by Frederick Pollock, Frederic William Maitland (1899)
"... and our law at length stands committed to the rule that he who steals more than this must be hanged. As to petty larceny, this is punished sometimes ..."

3. A Treatise on the Law of Larceny and Kindred Offenses Such as Adulteration by Stewart Rapalje (1892)
"Grand and petty larceny. 14. Larceny by trick and device. 15. Larceny from house or building. 16. Larceny from the person, 17. Larceny from the mail. §. ..."

4. A Journal of the Proceedings in Georgia, Beginning October 20, 1737: By by William Stephens (1906)
"The Court, after having gone through what was before them, sentenced the Fellow for Clipping to be three Times whipped; and the Woman for petty larceny ..."

5. A Digest of the Laws of England by Anthony Hammond, John Comyns (1826)
"But for goods of small value cast on shore, and stolen without circumstances of cruelty, offender may be indicted and punished for petty larceny. ..."

6. History of California by Theodore Henry Hittell (1898)
"... 1851, ? making robbery and grand larceny punishable by imprisonment in the state prison "or by death in the discretion of the jury" and petty larceny by ..."

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