De*fal"cate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defalcated; p. pr. & vb. n. Defalcating.] [LL. defalcatus, p. p. of defalcare to deduct, orig., to cut off with a sickle; L. de- + falx, a sickle. See Falchion.]
To cut off; to take away or deduct a part of; -- used chiefly of money, accounts, rents, income, etc.
To show what may be practicably and safely defalcated from the [the estimates].
Burke.
© Webster 1913.
De*fal"cate, v. i.
To commit defalcation; to embezzle money held in trust.
"Some partner
defalcating, or the like."
Carlyle.
© Webster 1913.