# pilfer

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈpɪl.fə/ · frequency rank #88,713

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

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

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/pilfer