pillage(n.)
14世纪晚期,“掠夺行为”(尤其是在战争中),来自古法语 pilage(14世纪)“掠夺”,源自 pillier “掠夺,抢劫,虐待”,可能来自通俗拉丁语 *piliare “掠夺”,可能来自拉丁语 pilare “剥去头发”,也可能意味着“剥皮”(比较动词 pluck, fleece 的比喻扩展),源自 pilus “头发”(参见 pile(n.3))。
Pillage and spoil especially suggest the great loss to the owner, completely stripping or despoiling them of their property ; plunder suggests the quantity and value of that which is taken : as, loaded with plunder; booty is primarily the spoils of war, but also of a raid or combined action, as of pirates, brigands, or burglars .... [Century Dictionary]
Pillage 和 spoil 尤其暗示了所有者的巨大损失,完全剥夺或掠夺他们的财产; plunder 则暗示了所取之物的数量和价值:如,装满 plunder; booty 最初是指战争的战利品,但也可以是突袭或联合行动的战利品,如海盗、强盗或盗贼....[世纪词典]
该词起源时间:14世纪末