special order

¹

noun

Military.

1. any one of a set of instructions from a headquarters affecting the activity or status of an individual or group of individuals.

special-order

²

[spesh-uhl-awr-der]

verb (used with object)

1. to obtain by specific individual order.

   to special-order a dining-room chandelier.

verb (used without object)

1. to order goods by a special order.

Word History and Origins

Origin of special order¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

“I thought Special Order 40 was the right thing to do at that time,” he said in a recent interview.

From Los Angeles Times

At a news conference, McDonnell said he believed that Special Order 40 still achieved its original mission of building public trust.

From Los Angeles Times

The attorney general, Andrew Bailey, one of the most committed abortion opponents in the nation, appealed directly to the state Supreme Court, seeking a special order called a writ of mandamus.

From Slate

He paused, then added, “Next time you’re at Wrigley, pick up some Retro Sours tins. Tangerine’s my recommendation. I grew up on those, and they’re back now, hot commodity. We even did a special order to make sure we have them for 4/20. You’ve got to try them.”

From Salon

A department policy called Special Order 40 prohibits initiating contact with anyone for the sole purpose of learning their immigration status.

From Los Angeles Times