pelf

[ pelf ]

noun

1. money or wealth, especially when regarded with contempt or acquired by reprehensible means.

pelf

/ pɛlf /

noun

1. derogatory.
   money or wealth, esp if dishonestly acquired; lucre

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelf¹

1300–50; Middle English < Old French pelfre booty

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelf¹

C14: from Old French pelfre booty; related to Latin pilāre to despoil

Example Sentences

It borrowed until it couldn't borrow anymore to pay for a slew of programs, public employee pensions and other pelf it couldn't afford.

From US News

Like Panama, the Cayman Islands, and other notorious way stations for corporate pelf, the US has defied simple international accords seeking to promote genuine tax accountability and transparency among the global economic elite.

From The Guardian

More self-employment and higher consumption taxes essentially, not the capitalist plutocrats running away with all the pelf.

From Forbes

That the rich can earn from their investments, continue to pile up the pelf and thus maintain their social status.

From Forbes

For efficiency we rather require that people be motivated by that pelf and gilt.

From Forbes