pelf
/pɛlf
/noun [mass noun] archaic
Money, especially when gained in a dishonest or dishonourable way: damnation dog thee and thy wretched pelf!...
- With odds so heavily arrayed against the under-privileged and the ordinary, there are still voices somehow making themselves heard across the walls of silence that vested interest has been trying to erect with its power and pelf.
- Politics is now merely a game of power, pelf and perks.
- Does anyone have any doubt how effective these powerful people have been in controlling all levers of powers, pelf and privilege?
Origin
Late Middle English (in the sense 'booty, pilfered property'): from a variant of Old French pelfre 'spoils', of unknown origin. Compare with pilfer.