Is the usage of the word "rifle" common in the following sense?
The lieutenant's servant rifled the dead man's possessions.

I assume it means to steal something. Is it common among native speakers to use it this way? And If I may get some more examples of using it in this way I would appreciate it.

Thank you for helping.

Question

Is the usage of the word "rifle" common in the following sense?
The lieutenant's servant rifled the dead man's possessions.

I assume it means to steal something. Is it common among native speakers to use it this way? And If I may get some more examples of using it in this way I would appreciate it.

Thank you for helping.

Answer

We usually use "rifle" in the pattern "rifle through".  This is easily confused with a very similar structure: "riffle through."  You can read about both of them here:
https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/rifle-v-riffle