grand larceny

American  

noun

Law.

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

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grand larceny British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of grand larceny

First recorded in 1840–50

Compare meaning

How does grand-larceny compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• larceny vs. grand larceny

Example Sentences

Brentford were superior in every aspect, and had Liverpool somehow rescued a point it would have been grand larceny.

From BBC

One critic noted that "when Maggie Smith is on the screen, the picture moves," and Burton afterwards teasingly described her upstaging of him as "grand larceny."

From BBC

Wan was arrested Friday and arraigned Saturday in Manhattan criminal court on grand larceny charges.

From Seattle Times

Michael Williams, who’s been investigating this suspected case of grand larceny.

From Los Angeles Times

Montgomery was among six people charged with conspiracy, attempted grand larceny and making false statements in relation to the campaign donations plot.

From Seattle Times