/mal'veuhr say"sheuhn/ , n. Chiefly Law.
improper or corrupt behavior in office, esp. in public office.
[ 1540-50; malvers ( er ) to embezzle ( male versari to behave badly, equiv. to male badly (see MAL-) + versari to behave, conduct oneself, passive (in middle sense) of versare to turn; see VERSATILE) + -ation -ATION ]