An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

In astronomy, designating an object with special properties that deviates from others of its type.

Linguistically related terms: → particular, → special.

Etymology (EN): From L. peculiaris “of one’s own (property),” from peculium “private property,” from pecu “flock, farm animals, cattle,”
pecunia “money, property;” cf. Av. pasu-, fšu- “sheep;” Mid.Pers. pâh, pasvīk “cattle;” Mid./Mod.Pers. šu/ša in šupân/šabân “cattle keeper, shepherd;” Pers. dialects Laki and Tâti pas “sheep;” Skt. paśu- “cattle;” Goth. faihu “money, fortune;” O.E. feoh “cattle, money;” Ger. Vieh “cattle;” Lith. pekus “cattle;” PIE base *peku- “cattle.”

Etymology (PE): Afd “peculiar; strange” (Dehxodâ), from Mid.Pers. afd, awd “peculiar, strange.”