Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Robbery \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.

   Note: 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.

Source : WordNet®

robbery
     n 1: larceny by threat of violence
     2: plundering during riots or in wartime [syn: {looting}]