What is "singularities"

Singularity \Sin`gu*lar"i*ty\ (s[i^][ng]`g[-u]*l[a^]r"[i^]*t[y^]), n.; pl. Singularities (s[i^][ng]`g[-u]*l[a^]r"[i^]*t[i^]z). [L. singularitas: cf. F. singularit['e].]

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.

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

   I took notice of this little figure for the singularity of the instrument.
   --Addison.

2. Anything singular, rare, or curious.

   Your gallery Have we passed through, not without much content In many singularities.
   --Shak.

3. Possession of a particular or exclusive privilege, prerogative, or distinction.

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

   Catholicism . . . must be understood in opposition to the legal singularity of the Jewish nation.
   --Bp. Pearson.

4. Celibacy. [Obs.]
   --Jer. Taylor.

n. (plural of singularity English)