larcen-, latro-
(Latin: theft, robbery, felony; from latrocinium, service of mercenaries; freebooting, robbery; latro-, a mercenary soldier, or a robber)
A term used in many states of the U.S. for pilferage, depending on the value of the goods stolen; in other words, a small amount of money or objects of little value: Petty larceny is a misdemeanor punishable with a specified time in a county jail instead of a state prison.
Petit larceny is an older spelling of this form of larceny and petty larceny has an advantage because its pronunciation is more obvious; however, the disadvantage is that this spelling suggests a "triviality" or of little importance.
trilarcenous (adjective) (not comparable)
A triple conviction of robbery or stealing: Claude had to serve prison time for the three robberies that he had committed, which is known as a trilarcenous sentence by a court of law.
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