peculium

British  

/ pɪˈkjuːlɪəm /

noun

1. Roman law property that a father or master allowed his child or slave to hold as his own

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Etymology

Origin of peculium

C17: from Latin; see _peculiar

Example Sentences

Masters found it economically profitable to give skilful slaves an interest in the profits of their industry, and the peculium, which was thus accumulated, soon provided the means of purchasing emancipation.

From Roman Society from Nero to Marcus Aurelius by Dill, Samuel

The "peculium" is, of course, elastic, and there is no particular place for drawing the line in the banker's book.

From Punch - Volume 25 (Jul-Dec 1853) by Various

My peculium I don't recollect, but it could not have exceeded �100.

From Thomas Carlyle Famous Scots Series by Macpherson, Hector Carsewell

It thus appears that Petrarch had not given up his peculium on the Sorgue, nor had any one rented the field and cottage in his absence.

From The Sonnets, Triumphs, and Other Poems of Petrarch by Campbell, Thomas