burglary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun entering a building unlawfully with intent to commit a felony or to steal valuable property

WordNet

Bur"gla*ry noun
Etymology
Fr. Burglar; cf. LL. burglaria.
Wordforms
plural Burglaries
Definitions
  1. (Law) Breaking and entering the dwelling house of another, in the nighttime, with intent to commit a felony therein, whether the felonious purpose be accomplished or not. Wharton. Burrill. ✍ By statute law in some of the United States, burglary includes the breaking with felonious intent into a house by day as well as by night, and into other buildings than dwelling houses. Various degrees of the crime are established.

Webster 1913