filch

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to steal something, especially a small or relatively low-value item, in a furtive way

   Someone tried to filch a wallet from the unattended coat.

2. 2
   verb

   to take an idea, credit, or other intangible thing dishonestly

   The columnist was accused of trying to filch another writer's argument.

From Middle English filchen ("to steal, pilfer"). Its further origin is uncertain; proposed links with Old English military words are speculative.

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