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View synonyms for pilfer

pilfer

[ pil-fer ]

verb (used with or without object)

  1. to steal, especially in small quantities.

    Synonyms: appropriate, filch, purloin, thieve



pilfer

/ ˈpɪlfə /

verb

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


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Derived Forms

  • ˈpilfering, noun
  • ˈpilferer, noun

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Other Words From

  • pilfer·er noun
  • un·pilfered adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of pilfer1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of pilfer1

C14 pylfre (n) from Old French pelfre booty; see pelf

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Example Sentences

But Julius and his comrades continued to pilfer American secrets for years after the defeat of fascism.

To pay a debt by means of a worthless cheque was evidently less reprehensible than to pilfer a brooch from a dressing-table.

To pilfer a supper, and then have it found in its natural state, after eating it—I confess that that is a most remarkable trick!

Like the others of this family, they pilfer their food from the Gulls, and are also very destructive to young birds and eggs.

The movements of the red-haired girl were not those of one who sought to pilfer.

When they had pilfer'd some from her, she was more cautious how she paraded with 'em for the future.

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pilewortpilferage