I. peculate noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin peculatus, from past participle of peculari to embezzle
obsolete : peculation
II. pec·u·late ˈpekyəˌlāt verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin peculatus, past participle of peculari to embezzle, from peculium private property — more at peculiar
transitive verb
: to steal or appropriate wrongfully to one's own use (as public money entrusted to one's care) : embezzle
a large sum peculated from the treasury
intransitive verb
: to engage in the wrongful appropriation of money committed to one's charge
the … chef began to peculate — Arnold Bennett