Pilfer vs Filch - What's the difference?

pilfer | filch |


As verbs the difference between pilfer and filch

is that pilfer is to steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practise petty theft while filch is to steal, to illegally take possession of.

pilfer

English

Verb

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

    • Derived terms

    * pilferage * pilferer

    filch

    English

    Verb

    (es)
  • To steal, to illegally take possession of.
    • Hey! Someone filched my noggin.

    Synonyms

    * lift, nick, pinch, pocket, rob, thieve, flog, (Cockney rhyming slang) half-inch, (slang) knock off, (slang) jack * See also