defalcate
UK: ˈdiːfælkeɪt | US: ˈdiːfælkeɪt
vt. to embezzle or misappropriate funds held in trust
vi. (archaic) to deduct or cut off a portion
The word "defalcate" originates from Latin defalcare, meaning "to cut off with a sickle." The morpheme de- implies removal, while falc- refers to the sharp, cutting action of a sickle. Historically, it described literal cutting (e.g., pruning plants), but by the 15th century, it evolved metaphorically to mean "deducting money" and later "embezzling." The shift reflects the imagery of secretly "slicing away" funds from their rightful place.
The treasurer was arrested for attempting to defalcate company funds.
In medieval times, lords would defalcate a portion of crops as rent.
Audits revealed the clerk had defalcated over $50,000.
The term originally described farmers who defalcated excess branches.
Strict laws exist to prevent officials from defalcating public money.