peculate
verb
pec·u·late ˈpe-kyə-ˌlāt 
peculated; peculating
transitive verb
: embezzle
peculation
ˌpe-kyə-ˈlā-shən
noun peculator
ˈpe-kyə-ˌlā-tər
noun 
Word History
Etymology
Latin peculatus, past participle of peculari, from peculium
First Known Use
1617, in the meaning defined above
peculate
verb
as in to embezzle
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- embezzle
- usurp
- seize
- appropriate
- arrogate
- misuse
- preempt
- confiscate
- misappropriate
- snatch
- steal
- misapply
- expropriate
- grab
- convert
- attach
- take over
- claim
- pirate
- grasp
- annex
- loot
- impound
- pillage
- assume
- despoil
- occupy
- press
- commandeer
- invade
- encroach
- repossess
- collar
- wrest
- trespass
- wrench
- sequester
- preoccupy
- infringe