A purloiner is a person who steals or pilfers, especially something of little value or in a sneaky or underhanded way. The act of purloining often implies a lack of boldness, favoring stealth and cunning over direct confrontation. A purloiner typically aims to take possession of something without the owner's knowledge or consent, often to the detriment of the victim. This act of stealing can vary in severity, from petty theft to more elaborate schemes, but the common thread is the clandestine nature of the action. The motive of a purloiner may vary depending on the items purloined; however, they usually do so for personal gain, be it material possessions, information, or advantage. In law, the term might indicate a less serious crime compared to grand larceny but still denotes a violation of property rights.
Purloiner meaning with examples
- The security footage revealed the office worker was the purloiner of several expensive pens. He would stealthily slip them into his pocket whenever the opportunity arose. This seemingly minor transgression caused significant disruption, as the pens were a recent company investment.
- During the museum tour, the art critic noticed a suspicious character, likely a purloiner, discreetly attempting to detach a small, antique silver locket from a display. His furtive behavior and lack of attention to the artwork suggested a hidden intent.
- The neighborhood was plagued by a series of small thefts, with items like garden gnomes and bird feeders going missing, and the police suspected a persistent purloiner was behind them. The suspect was cunning, avoiding direct confrontation.
- In a thrilling plot twist, the detective unmasked the seemingly innocent housekeeper as the purloiner of the family's valuable heirlooms. Her motive seemed to stem from a mix of envy and perceived neglect from her employers.
- The company was forced to increase security after a series of incidents where confidential documents went missing. The investigation targeted a possible purloiner within the ranks, someone with access to sensitive information.
Purloiner Synonyms
burglar (in some contexts) embezzler kleptomaniac larcenist pilferer robber (in some contexts) stealer thiefPurloiner Antonyms
benefactor donor giver honest person law-abiding citizen providerPurloiner Crossword Answers
5 Letters
THIEF