The extreme dishonesty that prevailed among the Greek officials explains the selection of monks as treasurers for military objects; and it must lessen our surprise at finding men of their religious professions sharing in the general avarice, or tolerating the habitual peculations of others.

Being governor of Rome, you naturally" "I have heard of peculations at the palace," Pertinax interrupted.

Corruption and peculation on the part of officials were severely punished.

The sum must appear enormous, but the peculation under such a government must be incalculable; and when it is recollected that all neutral ships bringing cargoes for the republic must have been insured at an immense premium, or perhaps eventually purchased by the French, and that very few could reach their destination, we may conclude that such as did arrive cost an immoderate sum.

There was the most shameless peculation in the kitchen, and money given in charity was appropriated by the servants, who all combined to cheat her.

HOOK, THEODORE, comic dramatist, born in London; wrote a number of farces sparkling with wit and highly popular; appointed to be Accountant-General of the Mauritius, came to grief for peculation by a subordinate under his administration; solaced and supported himself after his acquittal by writing novels (1788-1841).

Right near them are the homes of smaller Indians, who have reduced peculation to a fine art, and who steal on general principles.

The Duchess afterwards attempted to defend herself against the charge of peculation as the keeper of the privy purse; but no one believed her.