peculate
verb (used with or without object)
to steal or take dishonestly (money, especially public funds, or property entrusted to one's care); embezzle.
peculation
-
a word derived from
peculate.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“He might pervert his administration into a scheme of peculation or oppression,” he said, according to the minutes.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 17, 2019
“He might pervert his administration into a scheme of peculation or oppression. He might betray his trust to foreign powers.”
From The New Yorker ● Oct. 21, 2019
Ingenious, porcine Howard Hopson, charged with milking his now bankrupt $1,000,000,000 Associated Gas & Electric system of $20,000,000 in the biggest utility peculation of all time, went on trial for mail fraud and conspiracy.
From Time Magazine Archive
What if he then confessed his peculation to the bank president, tendering his check for the stolen sum, plus interest, and showing by his bank book that he was an important depositor?
From Time Magazine Archive
Speculation and peculation had rolled their dark waves over the public business of the nation—to do justice to all who presented claims was a problematical matter.
From Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution by L. Carroll Judson
