Purloined: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Middle English term 'purloine,' which means to steal or take away.
• It has roots in the Old French 'pourloigner,' meaning to take away or carry off.
• The prefix 'pur-' modifies the word to emphasize the act of stealing.

Literature

• In Edgar Allan Poe's short story 'The Purloined Letter,' a stolen letter becomes a key plot point, showcasing cleverness in retrieval.
• Charles Dickens often used themes of theft in his works to highlight social injustices faced by the underprivileged.
• The concept of 'purloining' often appears in mystery genres, where characters must solve the puzzle of a stolen item.

Cultural References

• In film and literature, the term often signifies cleverness associated with theft, leading to plot twists.
• The phrase 'purloined letters' has entered common language, often referring to any missing important document or object.
• In modern slang, to 'purloin' can be humorously used to describe friendly borrowing without permission, like taking someone's pen.

History

• Historical records note that the term became common in the 18th century as legal systems began to address theft more formally.
• Famous heists throughout history involved purloined items, impacting laws regarding property and privacy.
• The rise of detective fiction in the 19th century often revolved around purloined valuables and the adventures to retrieve them.

Psychology

• The act of purloining is often linked to both social and psychological factors, such as peer pressure or economic need.
• Research shows that individuals may feel justified in purloining items if they believe their motivation is noble or necessary.
• The moral implications of purloined items often stir debate in ethics classes, evaluating the attitudes towards ownership.

This word's position of #32,217 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 32214 pamphleteer
• 32215 conduced
• 32216 fuzziness
• 32217 purloined
• 32218 whin
• 32219 meditatively
• 32220 roofless
• ...