/spesh"euhl tee/ , n. , pl. specialties , adj.
n.
1. a special or distinctive quality, mark, state, or condition.
2. a special subject of study, line of work, area of interest, or the like: His specialty is art criticism.
3. an article or service particularly dealt in, rendered, manufactured, etc., or one to which the provider, dealer, or manufacturer claims to devote special care: The manufacturer's specialty is fine hats.
4. an article of unusual or superior design or quality.
5. a novelty; a new article.
6. an article with such strong consumer demand that it is at least partially removed from price competition.
7. a special or particular point, item, matter, characteristic, or peculiarity.
8. Law.
a. a special agreement, contract, etc., expressed in an instrument under seal.
b. a negotiable instrument not under seal.
adj.
9. Theat. (in vaudeville)
a. performing or performed in a manner that is unusual or not customary for a type of act, esp. a performance involving dexterity or ingenuity, as a patter song: specialty actor; specialty act.
b. (of a song or dance) isolated from the rest of the show: specialty number.
Also, esp. Brit., speciality .
[ 1300-50; ME specialte especialte specialitas. See SPECIAL, -ITY ]
Syn. 3. trademark, stamp, badge, forte.