petit larceny

[ pet-ee ]
/ ˈpɛt i /

noun Law.

Origin of petit larceny

First recorded in 1580–90

British Dictionary definitions for petit larceny

petit larceny

noun

(formerly in England) the stealing of property valued at 12 pence or under. Abolished 1827
(in some states of the US) the theft of property having a value below a certain figure
Also called: petty larceny
Compare grand larceny

Derived forms of petit larceny

petit larcenist, noun