Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
verb (used with object)
- to steal (especially something of small value); pilfer: to filch ashtrays from fancy restaurants.
verb
- (tr) to steal or take surreptitiously in small amounts; pilfer
“steal,” 1560s, slang, perhaps from c.1300 filchen “to snatch, take as booty,” of unknown origin. Liberman says filch is probably from German filzen “comb through.” Related: Filched; filching.