peculiar

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   markedly different from the usual

   a peculiar hobby of stuffing and mounting bats

2. 2
   adj

   Out of the ordinary; odd; strange; unusual.

   The sky had a peculiar appearance before the storm.

3. 3
   adj

   Common or usual for a certain place or circumstance; specific or particular.

   Kangaroos are peculiar to Australia.

4. 4
   adj

   One's own; belonging solely or especially to an individual; not shared or possessed by others.

   Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

5. 5
   adj

   Particular; individual; special; appropriate.

   while each peculiar power forgoes his wonted seat

6. 6
   noun

   That which is peculiar; a sole or exclusive property; a prerogative; a characteristic.

   before 1716, Robert South, Twelve Sermons If anything can legalize revenge, it should be injury from an extremely obliged person; but revenge is so absolutely the peculiar of heaven.

7. 7
   adj

   characteristic of one only

8. 8
   adj

   unique or specific to a person or thing or category

Etymology

From Latin pecūliāris (“one's own”), from pecūlium (“private property”), from pecus (“cattle”).