peculation noun.
[pɛkjʊ'leɪʃ(ǝ)n] M17.[formed as PECULATE verb + -ATION, for Latin peculatus PECULATE noun.]Embezzlement, esp. of public money or property by an official; an instance of this.
■ W. S. Maugham He accuses him of oppressing the people, of peculation, and of maltreating various persons. ■ A. Lurie The peculations of small Italian businessmen lack charm. [TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲