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Pickpocket vs Pilfer - What's the difference?

pickpocket | pilfer |

As verbs the difference between pickpocket and pilfer

is that pickpocket is to pick pockets; to steal while pilfer is to steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practise petty theft.

As a noun pickpocket

is one who steals from the pocket of a passerby, usually by sleight of hand.

pickpocket

English

Alternative forms

* pick-pocket

Noun

(en noun)
  • One who steals from the pocket of a passerby, usually by sleight of hand.

    • Verb

    (en verb)
  • To pick pockets; to steal.

    • pilfer

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practise petty theft.

    • Derived terms

    * pilferage * pilferer