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

Each had a share of copra, her peculium, to dispose of for herself.

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 18 (of 25) by Stevenson, Robert Louis

To the ambitious slave any addition, however small, to his growing peculium, which might enable him to buy his freedom, would certainly be grateful.

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

Similarly, in the Constitutions of the legate Ottobon in 1268, the peculium is grouped with other forms of property; ch.

From Medieval English Nunneries c. 1275 to 1535 by Power, Eileen

Cato employed this method of training as a means of increasing the peculium of his own slaves.

From A History of Rome During the Later Republic and Early Principate by Greenidge, A. H. J. (Abel Hendy Jones)

The slave, especially if he had any special gift, or if he occupied a prominent position in the household, had many chances of adding to his peculium.

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