noun
- the act of stealing or misappropriating money or property entrusted to one’s care, especially by a public official
Usage: formal; legal
Examples
- The treasurer was charged with peculation after funds went missing.
- Government auditors discovered evidence of peculation in the department.
- The scandal involved peculation of public funds over several years.
- His peculation of charity donations shocked the community.
- The investigation revealed systematic peculation by multiple officials.
- She was dismissed for peculation of company resources.