Pelf: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’ฐ
Add to dictionary

pelf

 

[ pษ›lf ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

wealth, money

Pelf refers to money or riches, especially when acquired in a dishonorable or unscrupulous manner. It often carries a connotation of ill-gotten gains, suggesting that the wealth is obtained through deceit or fraudulent methods. The term is somewhat archaic and is rarely used in modern vernacular, often seen in literary contexts. Instead of simply meaning wealth, pelf highlights the questionable origins of that wealth.

Synonyms

lucre, money, riches, wealth

Examples of usage

  • He amassed a fortune of pelf through dubious transactions.
  • The king was known for his pelf, which he collected from the people.
  • Greed led him to pursue pelf at any cost.

Translations

Translations of the word "pelf" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น riqueza

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคงเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Reichtum

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kekayaan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะฐะณะฐั‚ัั‚ะฒะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bogactwo

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฏŒ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท richesse

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ riqueza

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท zenginlik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถ€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุซุฑูˆุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bohatstvรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bohatstvo

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ดขๅฏŒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ bogastvo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ auรฐur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐะนะปั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ˜แƒ“แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ var-dรถvlษ™t

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ riqueza

Word origin

The word 'pelf' originates from the late Middle English period, derived from the Anglo-French 'pelfe', which in turn comes from the Old French 'pel', meaning 'spoils'. The use of 'pelf' has historically been associated with ill-gained wealth, particularly in the context of dishonesty and trickery. The term is often used in literature to provide a nuanced view of wealth as something that may be valuable but is also tainted by unethical methods of acquisition. Over time, while the word has diminished in common usage, it can still be encountered in literary works, underscoring the moral implications of wealth accumulation.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,946 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.