malversation

noun Chiefly Law.

improper or corrupt behavior in office, especially in public office.

Origin:
1540–50; < Middle French, equivalent to malvers(er) to embezzle (< Latin male versārī to behave badly, equivalent to male badly (see mal-) + versārī to behave, conduct oneself, passive (in middle sense) of versāre to turn; see versatile) + -ation -ation

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World English Dictionary

malversation (ˌmælvɜːˈseɪʃən)

—n
	rare professional or public misconduct

[C16: from French, from malverser to behave badly, from Latin male versārī]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Word Origin & History

malversation

"professional or official corruption," 1549, from Fr., from malverser, from L. male versari, from male "wrongly, ill" (see mal-) + versari "to behave, conduct oneself," passive freq. of vertere, to turn (see versus).

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malversation

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