Also 6 specyal-. [f. as prec. + -NESS.] The quality of being special.
1530. Palsgr., 274/1. Specyalnesse, specialité.
1668. Wilkins, Real Char., II. i. § 3. 34.
a. 1679. T. Goodwin, in Spurgeon, Treas. David, Ps. lxxviii. 67–8. The specialness of his love greateneth it, endeareth it to us.
1879. P. Brooks, Influence Jesus, ii. (1883), 78. It is the depth of His government that makes the specialness of His government.
1900. F. H. Stoddard, Evol. Eng. Novel, 177. Specialness in the direction of the purpose-work of the hero.
