peculation
nounUK /ˌpekjʊˈleɪʃən/
US /ˌpekjəˈleɪʃən/
The act of stealing money that was trusted to you to take care of.
The treasurer was arrested for peculation after money went missing from the club's fund.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The dishonest taking of public money by an official for personal use.
The official's peculation of city funds shocked the community.
3. Any act of taking property entrusted to one's care without permission.
The manager's peculation of company supplies led to his dismissal.
4. The crime of using money or property placed in one's trust for one's own purposes.
She was charged with peculation after diverting charity donations.