adj. & n.
--adj.
1. strange; odd; unusual (a peculiar flavour; is a little peculiar).
2 a (usu. foll. by to) belonging exclusively (a fashion peculiar to the time). b belonging to the individual (in their own peculiar way).
3 particular; special (a point of peculiar interest).
--n.
1. a peculiar property, privilege, etc.
2 a parish or church exempt from the jurisdiction of the diocese in which it lies.
Etymology: ME f. L peculiaris of private property f. peculium f. pecu cattle