Purloining

The act of stealing, especially in a secretive or stealthy manner. It often implies taking something of little value or importance, or items from one's workplace or employer, sometimes with a degree of deceit or violation of trust. The term suggests a surreptitious nature to the theft, where the perpetrator aims to avoid detection. It differentiates from more overt forms of theft like robbery or burglary. Purlioning can encompass petty theft, pilfering, or embezzlement in minor ways. The intention of purloining often involves the concealment of the action and the item or items taken, sometimes with the motive being personal gain or opportunistic acquisition.

Purloining meaning with examples

• During the office investigation, several employees admitted to purloining office supplies, such as pens, paper, and sticky notes, for personal use. The management took a hard stance with the theft. After finding out, the employees, under pressure, fessed up.
• The art collector was accused of purloining a small, valuable sketch from a prestigious museum during a crowded exhibition. Security tapes were analyzed. Evidence suggested the collector had been taking the work to his waiting car. The collector had other art.
• The mischievous child was caught purloining cookies from the cookie jar when left alone in the kitchen. The child was given a talking to. After the child had had a chance to think and understand his actions.
• The company suspected a warehouse worker was purloining small components, creating disruptions in the assembly line and causing significant losses, leading to a discreet surveillance operation to catch the worker red-handed. This was done with full legal disclosure.