larceny

[eberntson]

: the unlawful taking of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently

Origin

Middle English, from Anglo-French larecin theft, from Latin latrocinium robbery, from latron-, latro mercenary soldier, probably from Greek *latrōn, from latron pay
First Known Use: 15th century

[Slava]

OK, I admit it, I have been slow here. Why has it taken me over 7 months to twig to the connection of larceny and mercenary?

Tying in to mercenary is merchant, and with a root of mercēd, where does that leave the car?

It's great how word histories interweave.

[Perry Lassiter]

Not sure the English words larceny and mercenary are connected. But I am pretty sure ladron is Spanish for thief.

[Slava]

Not sure the English words larceny and mercenary are connected. But I am pretty sure ladron is Spanish for thief.

mid-15c., from Anglo-Fr. larcin (late 13c.), from O.Fr. larrecin "theft," from L. latrocinium "robbery," from latro (gen. latronis) "robber, bandit," also "hireling, mercenary,"

There is more, but this is the relevant part.

[Perry Lassiter]

Mercenary is a translation from latro, not a derivation.

[Philip Hudson]

Perry: Yep.