synonyms STEAL, PILFER, FILCH, PURLOIN mean to take from another without right or without detection.
STEAL may apply to any surreptitious taking of something and differs from the other terms by commonly applying to intangibles as well as material things <steal jewels> <stole a look at the gifts>.
PILFER implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts <pilfered from his employer>.
FILCH adds a suggestion of snatching quickly and surreptitiously <filched an apple from the tray>.
PURLOIN stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes <printed a purloined document>.
