special delivery stamp

noun

1. a stamp of special design, having a value indicating an extra fee in addition to the regular postage, and affixed to an item of mail to ensure its special delivery.

Word History and Origins

Origin of special delivery stamp¹

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25

Example Sentences

The date of the first issue of the special delivery stamp to postmasters is given as the 28th June, 1898.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, as though he could hurry the trains East, he put a special delivery stamp on it.

From Project Gutenberg

The Black Star had sent a letter to the evening paper also, but through the mail, with a special-delivery stamp affixed.

From Project Gutenberg

Do you s'pose it come in a registered letter, with a special delivery stamp on it?

From Project Gutenberg

I did not have a special-delivery stamp; so, in order to get one, I would have had to go to the post-office and buy it.

From Project Gutenberg