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Definition of pilfer - 4 dictionary results

pil⋅fer

  [pil-fer]
Use pilfer in a Sentence
–verb (used without object), verb (used with object)
to steal, esp. in small quantities.
Origin:
1540–50; v. use of late ME pilfre booty < MF pelfre. See pelf

Related forms:
pil⋅fer⋅er, noun

Synonyms:
thieve, purloin, filch, appropriate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To pilfer
pil·fer   (pĭl'fər)   
v.   pil·fered, pil·fer·ing, pil·fers

v.   tr.
To steal (a small amount or item). See Synonyms at steal.
v.   intr.
To steal or filch.

[From Middle English pilfre, spoils, from Old French pelfre.]
pil'fer·age (-ĭj) n., pil'fer·er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

pilfer 
c.1400 (n.), from O.Fr. pelfre "booty, spoils" (11c.), of unknown origin, possibly related to pelf. The verb is first recorded 1548.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: pil·fer
Pronunciation: 'pil-f&r
Function: intransitive verb
: to steal esp. in small amounts and often again and again pilfering from passenger luggage> transitive verb : to steal or steal from esp. in small quantities pilfering goods from a store he was guarding> —pil·fer·age /'pil-f&-rij/ noun
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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