While each peculiar power forgoes his wonted seat.
Milton.
My fate is Juno's most peculiar care.
Dryden.
3. Unusual; singular; rare; strange; as, the sky had a
peculiarappearance.
Syn. -- Peculiar, Special, Especial. Peculiar is from the Roman
peculium, which was a thing emphatically and distinctively one's own,
and hence was dear. The former sense always belongs to peculiar (as, a
peculiar style, peculiar manners, etc.), and usually so much of the
latter as to involve feelings of interest; as, peculiar care,
watchfulness, satisfaction, etc. Nothing of this kind belongs to
special and especial. They mark simply the relation of species to
genus, and denote that there is something in this case more than
ordinary; as, a special act of Congress; especial pains, etc.
Beauty, which, either walking or asleep, Shot forth peculiar
graces.
Milton.
For naught so vile that on the earth doth live, But to the earth
some special good doth give.
Shak.
Pe*cul"iar, n. 1. That which is peculiar; a sole or exclusive property;
a prerogative; a characteristic.
Revenge is . . . the peculiar of Heaven.
South.
2. (Eng. Canon Law) A particular parish or church which is exempt from
the jurisdiction of the ordinary.
Court of Peculiars (Eng. Law), a branch of the Court of Arches having
cognizance of the affairs of peculiars. Blackstone. -- Dean of
peculiars. See under Dean, 1.
Pe*cul`iar"i*ty (?), n.; pl. Peculiarities (&?;). 1. The quality or
state of being peculiar; individuality; singularity. Swift.
2. That which is peculiar; a special and distinctive characteristic or
habit; particularity.
The smallest peculiarity of temper on manner.
Macaulay.