Peculate
/ˈpɛk.jʊ.leɪt/noun
To embezzle or steal funds or property entrusted to one's care.
Did you know?The root of 'peculate' is linked to 'pecunia', the Latin word for money, which itself is derived from 'pecus', meaning cattle, a symbol of wealth in ancient times.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
peculatus
“The act of embezzling or misappropriating public funds.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
peculatus
“Originating from 'peculium', meaning private property or money, often in a context of mismanagement.”
Early 17th Century
English
peculate
“To embezzle or misappropriate, especially in relation to public office.”
Modern English
English
peculate
“To engage in the act of stealing or misappropriating funds.”