petty larceny
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of petty larceny
First recorded in 1810–20
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"From a landlord’s perspective, from storeowner’s perspective, we’re terrified of this, his policies and what not. Armed robbery of a store is now a petty larceny? What insanity is this?" he said.
From Fox News • Feb. 14, 2022
She pleaded no contest May 18 to petty larceny and was released after serving 81 days in jail.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 13, 2021
There was too much at stake, namely personal liberty, to rule otherwise—even for Gideon, who was charged with breaking and entering with intent to commit petty larceny.
From Slate • Jul. 8, 2020
The theft of the floppy-eared rabbit is a petty larceny — a misdemeanor, legally equivalent to stealing a pack of cigarettes.
From New York Times • Jul. 1, 2017
Red Tie shifts his attention back to the petty larceny.
From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
