Wordsmith.org: the magic of words


A.Word.A.Day

About | Media | Search | Contact  


Home

Today's Word

Subscribe

Archives



Apr 5, 2019
This week’s theme
Words that turn into other words when beheaded

This week’s words
erose
scow
vaward
thew
pelf

pelf
Illustration: Dylan Thurgood

This week’s comments
AWADmail 875

Next week’s theme
Words related to bones
Bookmark and Share Facebook Twitter Digg MySpace Bookmark and Share
A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Garg

pelf

PRONUNCIATION:
(pelf)

MEANING:
noun: Money or wealth, especially when acquired in a dishonorable manner.

ETYMOLOGY:
From Old French pelfre (booty), which also gave us the word pilfer. Earliest documented use: 1425.

USAGE:
“It is not as if the sheikh is short of pelf. He paid $400 million-odd for the Ingham family’s famed Australian racing and breeding operation.”
Craig Young; Sheikh’s Newest Young Star May Be Headed for Bigger Things; Sydney Morning Herald (Australia); Feb 28, 2011.

See more usage examples of pelf in Vocabulary.com’s dictionary.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance. -Verna Myers, author and speaker (b. 5 Apr 1960)

We need your help

Help us continue to spread the magic of words to readers everywhere

Donate

Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise

© 1994-2024 Wordsmith