pilfer
verb (used with or without object)
to steal, especially in small quantities.
has been pilfering
-
present perfect progressiveof pilfer (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The present writer remembers perfectly well, on reading some extracts from it at the time in a newspaper, on the top of a coach, exclaiming: ‘Why, the simpleton has been pilfering from Walter Scott’s novels!’
From The Romany Rye A Sequel to 'Lavengro' by John Sampson
You seem to think the one thing I can swallow as creditable, even probable, is that an officer in the Morays has been pilfering and cheating at cards.
From The Laird's Luck and Other Fireside Tales by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
There has been pilfering somewhere; but Messieurs Smifzer and Tennyson must settle it between them.”
From The Bon Gaultier Ballads by Richard Doyle
