thefte

thefte

Middle English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Inherited from Old English þīefþ, from Proto-West Germanic *þiubiþu, from Proto-Germanic *þiubiþō; by surface analysis, thef (thief) +‎ -the (abstract nominal suffix).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈθɛft(ə)/, /ˈθɛfθ(ə)/, /ˈθeː-/
  • IPA(key): /ˈθift(ə)/ (East Saxon), /θift/ (Northern)
  • IPA(key): /ˈðyfθ(ə)/, /ˈðœfθ(ə)/ (Southern, Southwest Midland)

Noun

thefte

  1. Theft, stealing, robbery (in general or as an individual instance):
    1. Financial fraud; the mishandling of money.
    2. Something seen as analogous or equivalent to theft.
  2. (rare) Stolen or illegally acquired goods.

Descendants

  • English: theft
  • Middle Scots: thift

References