filch

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb make off with belongings of others

Etymology

From Middle English filchen (“to pilfer, steal”). The further origin of the word is uncertain, but it is likely from or related to Old English fylċian (“to marshal troops”) and Old English ġefylċe (“band of men, army, host”), which would make it also related to folk.

In classic literature

Synonyms

pilfer, cabbage, purloin, pinch, abstract, snarf, swipe, hook, sneak, nobble, lift

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