I. pi-ˈkyül-yər adjective
Etymology: Middle English peculier, from Latin peculiaris of private property, special, from peculium private property, from pecu cattle; akin to Latin pecus cattle — more at fee
Date: 15th century
1. : characteristic of only one person, group, or thing : distinctive
2. : different from the usual or normal:
a. : special , particular
b. : odd , curious
c. : eccentric , queer
Synonyms: see characteristic , strange
• pe·cu·liar·ly adverb
II. noun
Date: 1562
: something exempt from ordinary jurisdiction ; especially : a church or parish exempt from the jurisdiction of the ordinary in whose territory it lies