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Webster 1913 Edition

Pilfer

Pil′fer

,
Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Pilfered
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Pilfering
.]
[OF.
pelfrer
. See
Pelf
.]
To steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practice petty theft.

Pil′fer

,
Verb.
T.
To take by petty theft; to filch; to steal little by little.
And not a year but
pilfers
as he goes
Some youthful grace that age would gladly keep.
Cowper.

Webster 1828 Edition

Pilfer

PIL'FER

,
Verb.
I.
To steal in small quantities; to practice petty theft; as a boy accustomed to pilfer.
A pilfering hand.

PIL'FER

,
Verb.
T.
To steal or gain by petty theft; to filch.
He would not pilfer the victory, and the defeat was easy.

Definition 2025

pilfer

pilfer

English

Boys Pilfering Molasses, 1853 painting by George Henry Hall.

Verb

pilfer ‎(third-person singular simple present pilfers, present participle pilfering, simple past and past participle pilfered)

  1. To steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practise petty theft.

Derived terms

Translations

Etymology

From Middle English pilfre ‎(“booty”), from Old French pelfre ‎(“plunder, booty, spoils”), of unknown origin. Compare pelf.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈpɪl.fə/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈpɪl.fɚ/

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