burglar

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A person who breaks in to premises with the intent of committing theft.

   The burglar made off with a large diamond from the museum.

2. 2
   verb

   To commit burglary.

   The latter, with another constable, remained to watch the burglared premises both back and front, […]

3. 3
   noun

   a thief who enters a building with intent to steal

Etymology

16th century, from Medieval Latin burglātor, British byform of burgātor (“burglar”), derived from burgō (“to commit burglary”), from Late Latin burgus (“fortified town”), itself probably from Frankish *burg (“fortress”), from Proto-Germanic *burgz, *burgiją (“borough, watch-tower”). The -l- in burglātor may have been inserted under influence from Latin latro (“thief”). The shortened English form may have arisen through confluence with Old French burgeor (“burglar”), itself from the same Latin source.