coffer and graft

cof·fer

n.

1. A strongbox.

2. often coffers

a. Financial resources; funds.

b. A treasury: stole money from the union coffers.

3. Architecture A decorative sunken panel in a ceiling, dome, soffit, or vault.

4. The chamber formed by a canal lock.

5. A cofferdam.

6. A floating dock.

tr.v. cof·fered, cof·fer·ing, cof·fers

1. To put in a coffer.

2. Architecture To supply (a ceiling, for example) with decorative sunken panels.

graft

n.

1. Unscrupulous use of one's position to derive profit or advantages; extortion.

2. Money or an advantage gained or yielded by unscrupulous means.

tr. & intr.v. graft·ed, graft·ing, grafts

To gain by or practice unscrupulous use of one's position.

But like in Italy, hardly any politician caught for graft, blatant misuse of office, or, quite simply, theft from the public coffers has ever gone to prison.