Filched

To steal something, especially something small or of relatively little value, often in a sneaky or casual manner. The act of filching implies a degree of stealth and an attempt to avoid detection. It is often used to describe the taking of items without the owner's permission, either temporarily or permanently, with a low level of seriousness or consequence implied. The focus is on the clandestine nature of the theft rather than the potential severity of the crime.

Filched meaning with examples

• During the office party, the intern nervously filched a few gourmet chocolates from the dessert table, hoping no one would notice his sweet tooth or his actions.
• The mischievous child filched cookies from the cookie jar when their mother wasn't looking, later denying any wrongdoing with an innocent look.
• As they wandered through the antique shop, she filched a small, decorative button from an old tapestry, drawn to its unique design and without much thought.
• The raven, notorious for its kleptomania, filched the shiny car keys off the picnic blanket when the family was distracted by their barbecue.