That is peculiar, isn’t it?

Peculiarly.

The common man hears this word and thinks it means something is odd or strange.  The educated man realizes there is a context in which there may be a peculiar meaning. 

Indeed, those who study the origin and meaning of words note that in the early 1700s the word ‘peculiarly’ took on the meaning of a quality or characteristic unique to an individual or group.  Thus, the Initiate is being told that certain excellences of character are expected of a Mason, because he is a Mason. 

These attributes may be found in others, but the charge to the new Mason provides esoteric knowledge that is unique — or peculiar — to our Fraternity.