Plagiarism: Definitions

This word expresses grave concern about the kidnapping of original work, literary theft, by, for instance, copying or paraphrasing ideas or discoveries and providing false, missing or misleading references to imply proper attribution to the originator.

It can include the false demeanment of original authors, while simultaneously using their work, their ideas or unique references, as feigned original discovery.

These things can be done completely, partly, or intermixed. Through plagiarism, a sense of achievement is gained for what was not done, or could not be done.

Some definitions are concerned about intent. However, intent is subjective and therefore cannot be known with certainty. Attributions of intent or motive are speculative, nevertheless, the behavior should be discouraged. Subjective items such as intent, malice, motive, state of mind, are assumed to be unknown.

Definitions

Etymonline

1621, from L. plagiarius "kidnapper, seducer, plunderer," used in the sense of "literary thief" by Martial, from plagium "kidnapping," from plaga "snare, net," from PIE base *p(e)lag- "flat, spread out."
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=plagiarism

Oxford English Dictionary

"The wrongful appropriation or purloining, and publication as one's own, of the ideas, or the expression of the ideas ... of another."
http://chronicle.com/free/v51/i17/17a00901.htm - Scott McLemee

Wikipedia

"Use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work."

Within academia, plagiarism... is considered academic dishonesty or academic fraud and offenders are subject to academic censure, up to and including expulsion.

In journalism, plagiarism is considered a breach of journalistic ethics, and reporters caught plagiarizing typically face disciplinary measures ranging from suspension to termination.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plagiarism, based on 1995 Random House Compact Unabridged Dictionary

Definitions Via Google Search

Many variations, though one theme, which is the promotion of unearned credit -- see Google "Plagiarism"

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