peculiar institution

American  

noun

1. Black slavery in the southern U.S. before the Civil War.

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Etymology

Origin of peculiar institution

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

Sara echoes her: “This what it means to be in a peculiar institution. Under its boot, everybody yo’ enemy.”

From New York Times

Compromises were made at our nation’s founding to accommodate the “peculiar institution.”

From Washington Post

But the idea of this school and this seemingly underwritten chapter in history was intriguing enough to set her on a yearslong journey researching the peculiar institution that operated in plain sight when anti-German sentiment was quite high.

From Washington Times

Southern planters and politicians loudly declaimed states’ rights in defense of their “peculiar institution,” but they needed federal help to clear the land of native residents.

From New York Times

Hopkins President Ronald J. Daniels said in an interview Monday the legacy preference is “a very peculiar institution” in higher education.

From Washington Post