pilfer

Related to pilfer: loot

pilfer from (someone or something)

1. To steal from someone, something, or some group, especially in a furtive or deceptive manner. The CEO was caught pilfering from the company's pension funds. I have no doubt the school has been pilfering from its students. I heard Tom and Janet's daughter has been pilfering from them lately.
2. To steal something from someone, something, or some group in small amounts, especially in a furtive or deceptive manner. I've been pilfering a few dollars from my parents at a time, so I doubt they'll notice. I guess Tom had been pilfering office supplies from the company for years before he was finally caught.
See also: pilfer
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

pilfer from someone or something

to steal from someone or a group. The petty thief had pilfered from several merchants in town. Someone has pilfered from the petty-cash drawer.
See also: pilfer

pilfer something from someone or something

to steal something from someone or something. Did you pilfer this money from your parents? Who pilfered some money from the cash box?
See also: pilfer
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

pilfered

(ˈpɪlfɚd)
mod. alcohol intoxicated. I’ve had too much. I’m beginning to feel pilfered.
See also: pilfer
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • pilfer from
  • pilfer from (someone or something)
  • pilfered
  • catch a tiger by the tail
  • the blame for (something)
  • blame for
  • blame for (something)
  • blamed
  • conspire with (someone) against (something or someone)
  • chain of command
References in periodicals archive
There is also what is called 'moonlighting,' which happens at night and involves cargo loaders of one airline crossing over to a neighboring airline at the Naia baggage breakdown or buildup area and volunteering their help so they can pilfer without being identified.
How 'magic' at Naia baggage lines works
In the underworld of avian crime, scrub jays that have pilfered other birds' food caches hide their own with extra care.
Birds with a criminal past hide food well
Shot glasses, ale pump clips and Guinness memorabilia - particularly the toucan - were the next most popular to be pilfered.
Hit list as pubs feel the pinch
PUP representative Ms Purvis told the Belfast meeting: "Maintaining the current degree of nepotism in our political practices creates another layer of exclusion, protects political dynasties and creates the appearance of politicians and their families trying to pilfer as much as they can."
P.U.P CALL FOR END TO MPs HIRING FAMILY; Fear public see it as 'pilfering & nepotism'
The applicant's lawyer contended before the court that 2,17,400 bags of sugar pledged by Kashmir Sugar Mill Limited to the bank were pilfered.
Court orders lodging FIR against Nawaz's kin over sugar stocks pilferage
The applicant's lawyer said before the court that 2,17,400 bags of sugar pledged by Kashmir Sugar Mill Limited to the bank were pilfered.
Court orders FIR against Nawaz's kin over sugar stocks pilferage
The illusionist and author has said he enjoyed the skills of stealing as a teenager, and at one time everything in his bedroom was pilfered.
Illusionist reveals old career as shoplifter
He claimed that electricity worth Rs 242 billion was being pilfered.
2,000MW this year, Abid
She was returning them as part of a new Waldorf "amnesty programme" that seeks pilfered hotel property, no questions asked.
Stolen spoons in 80yr journey; weird WORLD
THIEVES pilfered pot plants, flowers, hanging baskets and trees from one in five gardens over the last year.
20% of gardens hit by thieves
More than 1,000,000 pieces of luggage were lost, damaged, delayed, or pilfered by U.S.
Lost baggage claims are skyrocketing
The teenager was caught trying to use a stolen credit card and the older man was caught selling what apparently were pilfered cigarettes, authorities said.
Baggage handlersin theft arrests