1954: loot Apr 21, 2020

Lots of words relate to theft, stealing, robbery, burglary, and even one which already a few that meant "rob a place violently, especially in wartime": 'pillage', 'ransack', 'plunder'. Given this concept clearly a persistent one then, the fact that in the 18th century, at least by 1788 to be specific, English adopted another might then come as a surprise. However, the term 'loot' coming from the verb 'lūt', was adopted from a Hindustani language when the East India Company was conquering India. This verb was common enough, but gained more popularity from its use associated with other 19th century wars in China, Crimea, and India.

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