pilfer(v = verb.possession) abstract, cabbage, filch, hook, lift, nobble, pinch, purloin, snarf, sneak, swipe - make off with belongings of others;
is one way to steal
Derived forms noun pilferage₁, noun pilferer₁
Sample sentences: They pilfer the goods

   To steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practice petty theft. [1913 Webster]

   To take by petty theft; to filch; to steal little by little. [1913 Webster]
"And not a year but pilfers as he goes
Some youthful grace that age would gladly keep." [1913 Webster]

pilfer, v.tr. (also absol.) steal (objects) esp. in small quantities.

Derivative:
pilferage n. pilferer n.

Etymology:
ME f. AF & OF pelfrer pillage, of unkn. orig.: assoc. with archaic pill plunder: PELF

VB  steal, thieve, rob, mug, purloin, pilfer, filch, prig, bag, nim, crib, cabbage, palm, abstract, appropriate, plagiarize, convey away, carry off, abduct, kidnap, crimp, make off with, walk off with, run off with, run away with, spirit away, seize, plunder, pillage, rifle, sack, loot, ransack, spoil, spoliate, despoil, strip, sweep, gut, forage, levy blackmail, pirate, pickeer, maraud, lift cattle, poach, smuggle, run, badger, bail up, hold up, stick up, bunco, bunko, filibuster, swindle, peculate, embezzle, sponge, mulct, rook, bilk, pluck, pigeon, fleece, defraud, obtain under false pretenses, live by one's wits, rob Peter to pay Paul, borrow of Peter to pay Paul, set a thief to catch a thief, disregard the distinction between meum and tuum, fence, launder, launder money.