Rob"ber*y (?), n.; pl. Robberies (#). [OF. roberie.]
1.
The act or practice of robbing; theft.
Thieves for their robbery have authority
When judges steal themselves.
Shak.
2. Law
The crime of robbing. See Rob, v. t., 2.
⇒ Robbery, in a strict sense, differs from theft, as it is effected by force or intimidation, whereas theft is committed by stealth, or privately.
Syn. -- Theft; depredation; spoliation; despoliation; despoilment; plunder; pillage; rapine; larceny; freebooting; piracy.
© Webster 1913.