defalcate

verb

de·​fal·​cate di-ˈfal-ˌkāt 

-ˈfȯl-,

dē-;

ˈde-fəl- 

defalcated; defalcating

transitive verb

archaic : deduct, curtail

intransitive verb

law

: to intentionally or recklessly misuse funds in violation of a fiduciary duty

defalcator

di-ˈfal-ˌkā-tər 

-ˈfȯl-

dē-;

ˈde-fəl-

noun

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin defalcatus, past participle of defalcare, from Latin de- + falc-, falx sickle

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for defalcate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Legal Definition

defalcate

intransitive verb

de·​fal·​cate di-ˈfal-ˌkāt, -ˈfȯl-, dē-; ˈde-fəl-ˌkāt 

defalcated; defalcating

: to commit defalcation compare embezzle

defalcator

-ˌkā-tər 

noun