pilfer Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb make off with belongings of others
    filch; pinch; abstract; swipe; sneak; purloin; hook; lift; snarf; cabbage; nobble.

WordNet

Pil"fer intransitive verb
Etymology
OF. pelfrer. See Pelf.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Pilfered ; present participle & verbal noun Pilfering
Definitions
  1. To steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practice petty theft.
Pil"fer transitive verb
Definitions
  1. 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 1913