Peculation
/ˌpɛkjʊˈleɪʃən/noun
The misappropriation of public funds or property for one’s own use.
Did you know?Peculation comes from Latin *peculatus*, tied to *pecus* (“cattle”), because in early Indo-European society livestock was a core measure of wealth — a reminder that money once had hooves.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*peḱu-
“Movable wealth, especially cattle and livestock”
Latin
Latin
pecus
“Cattle, herd, flock”
Latin
Latin
peculium
“Private property, especially a slave’s personal savings or allowance”
Latin
Latin
peculatus
“Embezzlement; misappropriation of public money”
Middle English / Early Modern English
English
peculation
“The act of embezzling or misappropriating funds”