peculation

English

Etymology

From Latin peculatus (“embezzlement”), from past participle stem of peculor (“to defraud the public”), related to peculium (“property in cattle", "private property”), from pecu (“cattle", "money”).

Pronunciation

• IPA: /pɛkjʊˈleɪʃən/

Noun

peculation (plural peculations)

1. (law, chiefly historical) The wrongful appropriation or embezzlement of shared or public property, usually by a person entrusted with the guardianship of that property.
   • 1989: Anthony Burgess, The Devil’s Mode

     She considered herself engaged to be married to a Scotch propaganda officer who had been dismissed for peculation and gone home to sell cars.

   • 1990: Donald Kagan, Pericles of Athens and the Birth of Democracy, chapter 2: “Politician”, page 42 (Guild Publishing; CN 2239)

     It was a feature of Athens’ democratic constitution that at the end of their year in office Athenian officials had to submit an account of their service, financial and otherwise, to public scrutiny. Ephialtes took the opportunity to bring charges of peculation against the outgoing archons who were about to enter the Areopagus and succeeded in having them removed from that council.

Usage notes

• Embezzlement is the usual term used for this crime in modern laws.

Anagrams

• unpoetical