Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a tendency or disposition to steal; thievish: Describes a person, their character, or their behavior as being inclined toward theft or larceny.
   • Involving or characterized by theft: Pertaining to actions or activities that constitute or resemble stealing.

Usage

The adjective "larcenous" is used to describe a person's inherent nature or specific actions that show a propensity for theft. It is a formal or literary term often found in legal, psychological, or descriptive contexts. It typically precedes a noun or follows a linking verb like "is" or "seems."

Examples

• Describing a person's nature:
  • The shopkeeper was wary of the customer's larcenous gaze.
  • He was known in the neighborhood for his larcenous tendencies.
• Describing behavior or actions:
  • The scheme had a clearly larcenous intent.
  • Her larcenous act was caught on security camera.

Advanced Usage

• "Larcenous impulse": A sudden, strong desire to steal.
  • He struggled to control his larcenous impulses.
• In a figurative sense: Used to describe an unfairly greedy or acquisitive attitude that is metaphorically like stealing.
  • The corporation's larcenous acquisition of small businesses drew criticism.

Variants and Related Words

• Larceny (n): The legal term for the crime of theft of personal property.
  • He was charged with grand larceny.
• Larcenist (n): A person who commits larceny; a thief (less common than "larcener").
• Larcener (n): A person who commits larceny.

Synonyms

• Thievish: Having the character or habits of a thief.
• Predatory: Seeking to exploit or steal from others.
• Kleptomaniacal: Relating to kleptomania, a compulsive urge to steal (more specific to a psychological condition).

Antonyms

• Honest: Free of deceit; truthful and sincere.
• Law-abiding: Obedient to the laws.
• Scrupulous: Very careful to do what is right or proper.

Noun

1. having a disposition to steal