pelf

[ pelf ]

/ pɛlf /

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noun

money or wealth, especially when regarded with contempt or acquired by reprehensible means.

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Origin of pelf

1300–50; Middle English <Old French pelfre booty

Words nearby pelf

pelerine, Pele's hair, Pele's tears, Peleus, Pelew Islands, pelf, Pelham, Pelham-Holles, Pelias, pelican, pelican crossing

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How to use pelf in a sentence

China is a student's paradise where the possession of learning is instantly convertible into unlimited pelf.
The Soul of the Far East|Percival Lowell
Fear prompts him to ask, and Greed—greed for power, place and pelf—answers.
Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 12|Elbert Hubbard
The pelf and trinkets that she had upon her Were not demanded.D.
Tales of the Wonder Club, Volume III|M. Y. Halidom (pseud. Dryasdust)
The ruling passion of the age: worship of self and worship of pelf.
Wise or Otherwise|Lydia Leavitt

We know how many men give up their mental independence for the sake of pelf and power.
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 6 (of 12)|Robert G. Ingersoll

British Dictionary definitions for pelf

pelf

/ (pɛlf) /

noun

derogatory money or wealth, esp if dishonestly acquired; lucre

Word Origin for pelf

C14: from Old French pelfre booty; related to Latin pilāre to despoil

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

pelf

Origin of pelf

Words nearby pelf

Words related to pelf

How to use pelf in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for pelf

Word Origin for pelf