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. [ 1913 Webster ]
An oppressive, . . . rapacious, and peculating despotism. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]