† especialtyn.
Obsolete.
1. An especial degree (of anything).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or extraordinary > [noun] > an especial degree of anything
especialty1606
1606 Bp. J. King 4th Serm. Hampton Court 41 In time of persecution the especialty and difference of honour might bee allotted to such men.
2. Law. A contract by deed; = specialty n.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal obligation > contract > [noun] > written contract or text of > special
specialtyc1436
especialty1576
speciality1607
1576 W. Lambarde tr. Custumal in Perambulation of Kent 427 The chartre of the King, of this especialtie, is in ye custodie of Sir Jhon of Norwood.
1588 H. Oldcastle & J. Mellis Briefe Instr. Accompts sig. Fvj Your especialties, as are billes of hande.
1602 W. Fulbecke Parallele or Conf. Law ii. 65 It is an inconuenience in reason, that an especialtie sealed and solempnlie deliuered, should be auoyded by the bare agreement of the parties.
1641 Rastell's Termes de la Ley (new ed.) f. 239 It behooveth to him that bringeth the Writ to shew forth an Especialty.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online June 2019).
<
n.1576