Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - especial

 adjective  Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French — more at special  Date: 14th century being distinctive: as  a. directed toward a particular individual, group, or end sent ~ greetings to his son took ~ care to speak clearly  b. of special note or importance ; unusually great or significant a decision of ~ relevance  c. highly distinctive or personal ; peculiar had an ~ dislike for music  d. close, intimate his ~ crony  e. specific, particular had no ~ destination in mind  Synonyms: see special