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Glite Dictionary
dubious pelf

dubious pelf

9.9
Money gained in a dishonest or illegal way
  • noun
  • /ˈduːbiəs pɛlf/
  • Archaic
translation icon : riqueza dudosa
  • The court investigated the source of his dubious pelf before making a ruling.

Examples

  • Writers often criticize politicians for accumulating dubious pelf through corrupt practices.

  • Many believe that he acquired his dubious pelf through illegal means.

  • Rumors of dubious pelf surrounded the sudden rise in his fortune.

  • The politician's wealth was clearly dubious pelf.

  • Many believe that he acquired his dubious pelf through illegal means.

  • Writers often criticize politicians for accumulating dubious pelf through corrupt practices.

  • The court investigated the source of his dubious pelf before making a ruling.

Synonyms

dirty money
vsdubious pelf
  • NSFW
12 4.3

Money that someone gets through illegal or dishonest actions

is used for suspected or questionable wealth rather than proven illegality
lucre
vsdubious pelf
  • Archaic
3 9.9

Money gained in a dishonest or unfair way

highlights suspicion about origin rather than general profit motive
filthy lucre
vsdubious pelf
  • Archaic
1 9.8

Money that people get by dishonest or wrong actions

implies doubtful origin and lack of clear legal legitimacy
pelf
vsdubious pelf
  • Archaic
1 9.9

Money gained by dishonest or shameful means

stresses suspicious origin and lack of legitimacy rather than shameful tone

How Legitimate

earnings
309 2.3
dubious pelf
  • Archaic
9.9
ill-gotten
12 7.7

Surface Forms

dubious pelf singular
dubious pelves plural

Morphology

dubious + pelf

This is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'dubious' (suspicious) modifies 'pelf' (shamefully acquired money), so the combined meaning 'wealth of questionable origin' is directly derivable from the parts. Although 'pelf' is archaic/rare, for a learner who knows both constituent words the meaning follows normal compositional patterns and is transparent.

Etymology

The phrase dubious pelf puts together dubious (meaning doubtful) and the old word pelf, which meant loot or money gained in a dishonest way. Picture a hidden bag of coins that looks stolen, and you have the memory for why the phrase means 'wealth of questionable origin'.