Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - peculiar

 I. adjective  Etymology: Middle English peculier, from Latin ~is 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  • ~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