/ ˈpɪlfə(r); NAmE / verb
pilfer (sth) (from sb/sth) to steal things of little value or in small quantities, especially from the place where you work :
[ v ]
He was caught pilfering.
[ vn ]
She regularly pilfered stamps from work.
► pil·fer·age / ˈpɪlfərɪdʒ; NAmE / noun [ U ] ( formal ):
pilferage of goods
► pil·fer·er noun :
Certain types of goods are preferred by pilferers.
► pil·fering noun [ U ]:
We know that pilfering goes on.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (as a noun in the sense action of pilfering, something pilfered ): from Old French pelfrer to pillage, of unknown origin.