View synonyms for defalcation

defalcation

[ dee-fal-key-shuhn, -fawl- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Law.

misappropriation of money or funds held by an official, trustee, or other fiduciary.
the sum misappropriated.

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Other Words From

nonde·fal·cation noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of defalcation¹

1425–75; late Middle English: deduction from wages (< Middle French ) < Medieval Latin dēfalcātiōn- (stem of dēfalcātiō ) a taking away, equivalent to dēfalcāt ( us ) ( defalcate ) + -iōn- -ion

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Example Sentences

"They're not so frequent as defalcation with us, quite—especially birth," suggested Bellingham.

From Project Gutenberg

But I will never suffer the sacred name of economy to be bestowed upon arbitrary defalcation of charge.

From Project Gutenberg

Because of the defalcation of her lawyer, she is in financial straits.

From Project Gutenberg

His cashier, who is secretly engaged to marry Miss Van Gorder's niece, is suspected of the defalcation and is a fugitive.

From Project Gutenberg

First, diversion of the public funds to his own use,—embezzlement or defalcation we should call it.

From Project Gutenberg

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defalcate defamation

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