pilfer

American  

[pil-fer] / ˈpɪl fər /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to steal, especially in small quantities.

   Synonyms:

   appropriate, filch, purloin, thieve

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pilfer British  

/ ˈpɪlfə /

verb

1. to steal (minor items), esp in small quantities

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Other Word Forms

• pilferer
  noun
• pilfering
  noun
• unpilfered
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of pilfer

1540–50; v. use of late Middle English pilfre booty < Middle French pelfre. See pelf

Explanation

To pilfer is to steal something, typically of small value. Minor thefts, like taking a roll of toilet paper out of a public bathroom or napkins from the Early Bird Buffet are what your grandfather, for example, might pilfer. The verb pilfer comes from the Old French noun pelfre, meaning “booty,” or “spoils.” Now pilfer is used when talking about the act of stealing loot: you may find that you have to really restrain yourself from the desire to pilfer your friend’s new fur-lined gloves, even though you're pretty sure she pilfered your headphones. Robin Hood was able to pilfer from the rich to give to the poor.

Example Sentences

Pilfer, pil′fėr, v.i. to steal small things.—v.t. to steal by petty theft.—ns.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

Pilfer not the smallest thing;   Touch it not, howe'er thou need it, Though the owner have enough,   Though he know it not, nor need it.

From Cole's Funny Picture Book No. 1 by Cole, E. W. (Edward William)

Girl Stealing Treacle This is Nelly Pilfer;   I'll tell you what she earned By stealing off the treacle   When Mary's back was turned.

From Cole's Funny Picture Book No. 1 by Cole, E. W. (Edward William)

There's none, Simon, but Master Pilfer the Tailor: he's above with Sir Godfrey praising of a Doublet: and I must trudge anon to fetch Master Suds, the Barber.

From The Puritaine Widdow by Shakespeare (spurious and doubtful works)

Related Words

• filch
• purloin
• swipe