To secretly take money or property that you were trusted to manage, usually from a company or organization. It is a serious financial crime.
From Middle English 'embesilen' meaning 'to steal, plunder,' probably from 'be-' (thoroughly) + an Old French root related to 'besillier' (to ravage). The sense narrowed to stealing funds entrusted to you. Modern spelling was influenced by 'embezzlement.'
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