defalcated; defalcating

intransitive verb

: to engage in embezzlement
defalcator 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of defalcate was in 1541

Dictionary Entries Near defalcate

Cite this Entry

“Defalcate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defalcate. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Legal Definition

defalcated; defalcating
: to commit defalcation compare embezzle

More from Merriam-Webster on defalcate

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