peculation

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The wrongful appropriation or embezzlement of shared or public property, usually by a person entrusted with the guardianship of that property.

Pronunciation

/pɛkjʊˈleɪʃən/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Wodencafe-peculation.wav

Word forms

peculation peculations

Etymology

From Latin pecūlātiō (“embezzlement”) from pecūlor (“to defraud the public”), related to pecūlium (“property in cattle, private property”), from pecū (“cattle, money”).

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