Purloin
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /pɜːˈlɔɪn/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Purloin is a verb meaning (transitive, usually formal or humorous) To take the property of another, often in breach of trust; to appropriate wrongfully; to steal.
Meaning
(transitive, usually formal or humorous) To take the property of another, often in breach of trust; to appropriate wrongfully; to steal.
More Meanings
- (intransitive) To commit theft; to thieve.
Example Sentences
Had from his wakeful custody purloined / The guarded gold.
The Apostle expressly forbiddeth servants to purloin (Titus 2:10).
Or was this simply another item Mr. Stink had purloined during his career as a gentleman thief?
Probably my acquaintance, Mr Blank, therefore, would have been able, if he had so wished to do, to purloin the papers which he mentioned.
Word Forms
- purloins
- purloining
- purloined
Synonyms for purloin
Depending on context, synonyms include abstract, sneak, lift, pinch, hook, pilfer.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include pilfer, filch, nobble, sneak, lift, swipe.
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.