defalcation
    n 1: the sum of money that is misappropriated
    2: the fraudulent appropriation of funds or property entrusted
       to your care but actually owned by someone else [syn:
       embezzlement, peculation, defalcation,
       misapplication, misappropriation]

Defalcation \De`fal*ca"tion\, n. [LL. defalcatio: cf. F.
   d['e]falcation.]
   1. A lopping off; a diminution; abatement; deficit.
      Specifically: Reduction of a claim by deducting a
      counterclaim; set- off. --Abbott.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. That which is lopped off, diminished, or abated.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. An abstraction of money, etc., by an officer or agent
      having it in trust; an embezzlement.
      [1913 Webster]

DEFALCATION, practice, contracts. The reduction of the claim of one of the 
contracting parties against the other, by deducting from it a smaller claim 
due from the former to the latter. 
     2. The law operates this reduction, in certain cases, for, if the 
parties die or are insolvent, the balance between them is the only claim; 
but if they are solvent and alive, the defendant may or may not defalcate at 
his choice. See Set off. For the etymology of this word, see Bracken. Law 
Misc. 186; 1 Rawle's R. 291; 3 Binn. R. 135. 
     3. Defalcation also signifies the act of a defaulter. The bankrupt act 
of August 19, 1841, (now repealed), declares that a person who owes debts 
which have been created in consequence of a defalcation as a public officer, 
or as executor, administrator, guardian or trustee, or while acting in any 
other fiduciary capacity, shall not have the benefit of that law.