peculium

/ pɪˈkjuːlɪəm /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of peculium¹

C17: from Latin; see peculiar

Example Sentences

Thus the slave gets a chance of acquiring what will be as a matter of fact a peculium.

From Project Gutenberg

The gains of the 'filii familias Assessores' were to be protected as if they were 'castrense peculium.'

From Project Gutenberg

At present each prisoner has a peculium, or at all events it is within his power to create one.

From Project Gutenberg

The institution of the peculium, or private fund, is of the first necessity for this purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg