burglary

Etymology

From New Latin burglaria. Equivalent to burglar + -y. Displaced native Old English hūsbryċe (literally “house-breach”).

noun

1. The crime of unlawfully breaking into a vehicle, house, store, or other enclosure with the intent to steal.
   1. (law) Under the common law, breaking and entering of the dwelling of another at night with the intent to commit a felony.
   2. (law, US) Under the Model Penal Code, entering a building or occupied structure with purpose to commit a crime therein, unless the premises are at the time open to the public or the actor is licensed or privileged to enter. Model Penal Code § 221.1.