grand larceny

noun

, Law.

1. larceny in which the value of the goods taken is above a certain legally specified amount.

grand larceny

noun

1. (formerly in England) the theft of property valued at over 12 pence. Abolished in 1827
2. (in some states of the US) the theft of property of which the value is above a specified figure, varying from state to state but usually being between $25 and $60

Word History and Origins

Origin of grand larceny¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

With charges ranging from grand larceny and fraud to drug trafficking, you’ll get an inside look at some of America’s most notorious crime lords.

From Essence.com

Court records show that Price had been arrested in Virginia and Maryland several times prior to his latest arrests beginning in 2012 on charges that include illegal possession of a firearm, armed robbery, misdemeanor theft, and grand larceny.

From Washington Blade

Harris, a resident of Boerum Hill, is charged with two counts of grand larceny and possession of stolen property.

From The Daily Beast

A records check showed that he was wanted for grand larceny in Virginia, and he spent several months in jail there.

From The Daily Beast

I remained, at that point, unconvinced that Marshall was guilty of the grand larceny count.

From The Daily Beast

Only a handful of counts remained on which to reach a verdict, including the one of grand larceny.

From The Daily Beast

Anthony Marshall had committed grand larceny in the first degree.

From The Daily Beast

Mr. Hadden is now serving out a term of ten years imprisonment in the New Jersey Penitentiary, for grand larceny.

From Project Gutenberg

Their misrepresentations as to the money value of glasses amounts to grand larceny.

From Project Gutenberg

The Boss tried to tell her how there wa'n't any grand larceny intended, but it was no go.

From Project Gutenberg

I know places where they'd indict you for grand larceny if you took much more than you have here.

From Project Gutenberg

No, me for where you can carry off things that are too big for the grand larceny statutes.

From Project Gutenberg