PILFERER Meaning and
Definition
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A pilferer is a person who engages in the act of pilfering, which refers to the theft or petty stealing of small or insignificant items, usually in a surreptitious or stealthy manner. The term is typically used to describe an individual who habitually and covertly takes objects of little monetary value without drawing too much attention or causing significant harm.
A pilferer operates by seizing small objects or articles that are easily accessible, such as pens, office supplies, snacks, or loose change. The act of pilfering typically occurs in settings where security measures are relatively relaxed or lacking, like workplaces, supermarkets, or public spaces. It is marked by careful, calculated actions aimed at avoiding detection or suspicion.
The motivations behind pilfering can vary, ranging from personal gain to compulsive behavior. Pilferers may steal for economic reasons, satisfying personal needs without expending their own resources, or for the thrill of mischief and deception. While the items pilfered may seem trivial individually, the cumulative effect can be substantial, potentially causing financial losses or disrupting regular operations in certain contexts.
Pilferers are often distinguished from more significant thieves or criminals, as their actions are relatively minor in scale and may not be prosecuted as severely. Nonetheless, their activities remain ethically and legally objectionable, as they violate principles of honesty, respect for others' property, and societal trust.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PILFERER
Etymology of PILFERER
The word pilferer comes from the Middle English term pilferen, which can be traced back to the Old French verb pelfrer. In Old French, pelfrer meant to steal, and it likely derived from the Late Latin word pilpare, meaning to rob. The term ultimately finds its origin in the Latin word pilare, which means to plunder.
Similar spelling words for PILFERER
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