I. ˈfilch transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English filchen to attack, steal, perhaps from Old English gefylce band of men, troop, army; akin to Old Norse fylki band of men, shire, Old English folc folk — more at folk
: to steal furtively : pilfer
filched some cigarettes
Synonyms: see steal
II. noun
( -es )
obsolete : a hooked staff used by thieves to snatch articles (as from windows)