PECULATION

peculation (pek-y<<schwa>>-lay-sh<<schwa>>n), n. Embezzlement, esp. by a public official.

Cf. DEPECULATION. [Cases: Officers and Public Employees  121. C.J.S. Officers and Public Employees §§ 329–334.]
— peculate (pek-y<<schwa>>-layt), vb.
— peculative (pek-y<<schwa>>-l<<schwa>>-tiv), adj.
— peculator (pek-y<<schwa>>-lay-t<<schwa>>r), n.

[Blacks Law 8th]