filch

[filch]

verb (used with object)

1. to steal (especially something of small value); pilfer.

   to filch ashtrays from fancy restaurants.

   Synonyms: pinch, snaffle, lift, swipe, take, purloin

filch

/ fɪltʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to steal or take surreptitiously in small amounts; pilfer

Other Word Forms

• filcher noun
• filchingly adverb
• unfilched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of filch¹

1250–1300; Middle English filchen to attack (in a body), take as booty, Old English fylcian to marshal (troops), draw (soldiers) up in battle array, derivative of gefylce band of men; akin to folk

Word History and Origins

Origin of filch¹

C16 filchen to steal, attack, perhaps from Old English gefylce band of men

Example Sentences

“Shipwrecks and cannibals. Does that ring any bells, Miss Lumley? I know you filch books from my library sometimes; don’t deny it.”

Read more on Literature

The web of their lives “is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together,” to filch from Shakespeare, and Venable combines virtues and vices in unexpected patterns.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But then Jack’s bass is filched from his apartment, and his charismatic junkie lead singer, the Banished Earl, vanishes along with it.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Frankie showing off the old service revolver he’d traded a filched pocket watch for, practicing on milk bottles and tin cans.

Read more on Literature

There, according to his autobiography, Sonny filched pretzels and hard-boiled eggs, and learned his first cuss words from an obscenity-squawking parrot.

Read more on Washington Post

Related Words

• embezzle 
• pilfer 
• purloin