Obs. [ad. OF. especialté, AF. especiaulté (in especiaulté d’escrit special mention in writing; cf. sense 2), f. especial: see ESPECIAL.]
1. An especial degree (of anything).
1606. J. King, 4th Serm. Hampt. Crt., 41. In time of persecution the especialty and difference of honour might bee allotted to such men.
2. Law. A contract by deed; = SPECIALTY.
1576. Lambarde, trans. Customal, in Peramb. Kent, 426. The chartre of the King of this especialtie is in ye custodie of Sir Jhon of Norwood.
1588. J. Mellis, Briefe Instr., F vj. Your especialties, as are billes of hande.
1602. Fulbecke, 2nd Pt. Parall., 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. Termes de la Ley, 239. It behooveth to him that bringeth the Writ to shew forth an Especialty.
