singularity

n.; pl. Singularities [ L. singularitas: cf. F. singularité. ] 1. The quality or state of being singular; some character or quality of a thing by which it is distinguished from all, or from most, others; peculiarity. [ 1913 Webster ]

Pliny addeth this singularity to that soil, that the second year the very falling down of the seeds yieldeth corn. Sir. W. Raleigh. [ 1913 Webster ]

I took notice of this little figure for the singularity of the instrument. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Anything singular, rare, or curious. [ 1913 Webster ]

Your gallery
Have we passed through, not without much content
In many singularities. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Possession of a particular or exclusive privilege, prerogative, or distinction. [ 1913 Webster ]

No bishop of Rome ever took upon him this name of singularity [ universal bishop ]. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]

Catholicism . . . must be understood in opposition to the legal singularity of the Jewish nation. Bp. Pearson. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Celibacy. [ Obs. ] Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]