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peculiar people

American  

plural noun

  1. the Jews as being God's chosen people. Deuteronomy 14:2.

  2. (usually initial capital letters) a name adopted by certain fundamentalist Christian sects, signifying their refusal to conform to any rule of conduct that is contrary to the letter or spirit of the Bible.


peculiar people British  

plural noun

  1. (sometimes capitals) a small sect of faith healers founded in London in 1838, having no ministers or external organization

  2. the Jews considered as God's elect

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of peculiar people

First recorded in 1485–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“It’s only peculiar people like you that I want to impress.”

From BusinessWeek • Jul. 5, 2011

The problem of the Christian majority, particularly in America," says Niebuhr, "is to come to terms with the stubborn will to live of the Jews as a peculiar people, both religiously and ethnically.

From Time Magazine Archive

The English are a peculiar people; they always mix public and private life together.

From A House-Party Don Gesualdo and A Rainy June by Ouida

They are essentially a peculiar people; singular in their opinions and practices, and created unto good works.

From A Discourse on the Evils of Dancing by Mesick, John F.

No judgment which came upon God's peculiar people ever made a complete end of the nation.

From The Prophet Ezekiel An Analytical Exposition by Gaebelein, Arno C.