pilfer means to steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practise petty theft. Lexicurio rates it Distinctive — a strength score of 66 out of 100.
pilfer is pronounced /ˈpɪl.fə/.
Etymology
From earlier pilfre, from Middle English pilfre (“booty”), from Old French pelfre (“plunder, booty, spoils”), of unknown origin. Compare pelf.
verb
- To steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practise petty theft.“pilfer goods”