ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Pelf

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /pɛlf/ · Part of speech noun

Quick meaning: Pelf is a noun meaning (uncountable, chiefly derogatory, dated) Money, riches; gain, especially when dishonestly acquired; lucre, mammon.

Meaning

(uncountable, chiefly derogatory, dated) Money, riches; gain, especially when dishonestly acquired; lucre, mammon.

More Meanings

  1. (uncountable, dated) Rubbish, trash; specifically (British, dialectal) refuse from plants.
  2. (uncountable, Southwest England) Dust; fluff.
  3. (countable, Yorkshire, derogatory) A contemptible or useless person.

Example Sentences

Some of the rich classmates were keeping their pelf to themselves.
In advertising, show business, and journalism, people work themselves to the nub for glitz and glory more than for pelf.
During his Office, Treaſon vvas no Crime. / The Sons of Belial had a Glorious Time: / For Shimei, though not prodigal of pelf, / Yet lov'd his vvicked Neighbour as himſelf.
When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf, and the world makes you King for a day, / Then go to the mirror and look at yourself, and see what that guy has to say.

Word Forms

Synonyms for pelf

Depending on context, synonyms include accession, acquirement, acquisition, acquist, attainment, gain.

Antonyms for pelf

Common opposites include baron, big name, bigwig, boss, heavyweight, kingpin.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include lucre, gelt, moolah, loot, bread, dough.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.