Peculate \Pec"u*late\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Peculated}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Peculating}.] [L. peculatus, p. p. of peculari to
   peculate, akin to peculium private property. See {Peculiar}.]
   To appropriate to one's own use the property of the public;
   to steal public moneys intrusted to one's care; to embezzle.
   
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         An oppressive, . . . rapacious, and peculating
         despotism.                               --Burke.
   
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