filch

[ filch ]

verb (used with object)

1. to steal (especially something of small value); pilfer:

   to filch ashtrays from fancy restaurants.

   Synonyms: pinch, snaffle, lift, swipe, take, purloin

filch

/ fɪltʃ /

verb

1. tr to steal or take surreptitiously in small amounts; pilfer

Derived Forms

• ˈfilcher, noun

Other Words From

• filcher noun
• filching·ly adverb
• un·filched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of filch¹

1250–1300; Middle English filchen to attack (in a body), take as booty, Old English fylcian to marshal (troops), draw (soldiers) up in battle array, derivative of gefylce band of men; akin to folk

Word History and Origins

Origin of filch¹

C16 filchen to steal, attack, perhaps from Old English gefylce band of men

Example Sentences

Prosecutors said he had a keen sense of his market: He ordered subordinates to target stores such as Neiman Marcus, CVS, Sephora and Bloomingdale’s, where his employees would filch eye creams, hair serums and products by companies like Revlon, Burt’s Bees and Vichy.

From New York Times

He’d head up to Connecticut and filch Fred in the middle of the night.

From Literature

“We beg and work sometimes and filch from stalls when we can...I and the other boys....I know every street and alley,” he added proudly.

From Literature

A supernatural tale suggests that there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our philosophy, to filch from Hamlet, the most haunted figure in all literature.

From Los Angeles Times

He would filch it if I wasn’t around.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• embezzle
• pilfer
• purloin