peculiar people

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of peculiar people¹

First recorded in 1485–95

Example Sentences

He has dwelt in the tents of the Mormonites; has been one of the Peculiar People.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Such a modification in the social at once sets the members of the crowd off as a "peculiar people."

From Project Gutenberg

It is not easy to say what becomes of all these pious bards, who are a marked and peculiar people while they remain in residence.

From Project Gutenberg

The main purpose of Israel being made God's peculiar people has failed up to the present hour.

From Project Gutenberg