pilfer

[ pil-fer ]
/ ˈpɪl fər /

verb (used with or without object)

to steal, especially in small quantities.

Origin of pilfer

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

OTHER WORDS FROM pilfer

pil·fer·er, noun un·pil·fered, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for pilfering

British Dictionary definitions for pilfering

pilfer
/ (ˈpɪlfə) /

verb

to steal (minor items), esp in small quantities

Derived forms of pilfer

pilferer, noun pilfering, noun

Word Origin for pilfer

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