peculation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the embezzlement or fraudulent appropriation of money or property entrusted to one's care, especially public funds

   An independent audit exposed years of peculation by officials who managed the public stores.

From Late Latin peculatio ("embezzlement"), based on Latin peculari ("to embezzle") and peculium ("private property"). Peculium is related to pecu ("cattle"), reflecting the ancient use of livestock as a measure of wealth.

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