malversation

English

Etymology

From French malversation, from malverser, from Latin male versari ("behave badly").

Pronunciation

• IPA: /mælvəˈseɪʃən/

Noun

malversation (plural malversations)

1. corrupt behaviour, illegitimate activity, especially by someone in authority
   • 1668 July 3rd, James Dalrymple, “Thomas Rue contra Andrew Houſtoun” in The Deciſions of the Lords of Council & Seſſion I (Edinburgh, 1683), page 548

     The Decreet was for Sallary, and it was offered to be proven, that Rue (for his Malverſation) was by warrand from General Monk, excluded from Collection that year.

   • 1923, Powys Mathers [tr.], The Thousand Nights and One Night

     The walī looked angrily on my brother, saying: ‘Shameless ill-doer, it is quite clear from these marks upon your back that you have practised every sort of crime and malversation.’