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Peculation: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Peculation noun. The embezzling of public money or property by someone trusted with it.
How to say it
pek-yoo-LAY-shun/ˌpɛkjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n/
4 syllables, stressed on the third (LAY). Forms: peculate.
Peculation in a sentence
The quartermaster’s peculation came to light when the army found it had paid for ten thousand boots that never existed.
Years of petty peculation had drained the parish funds.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- embezzlement
- misappropriation
- theft
- malversation
Where peculation comes from
From Latin peculari, to embezzle, from peculium, private property.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Years of petty _____ had drained the parish funds.
- jurisdiction
- indemnity
- peculation
Show the answer
peculation: Years of petty peculation had drained the parish funds.