ˈshoplifting,vbl.n. [f. shop n. + lifting vbl.n.] The action of stealing from a shop. 1698Act 10 Will. III, c. 12 Preamble, The Crime of stealing Goods privately out of Shops and Warehouses, commonly called Shop-lifting.1850H. Martineau Hist. Peace (1877) III. 136 A lady was convicted for shop-lifting.