1A directive issued in a particular situation or under special circumstances.
2An order placed by a customer for an item which a shop does not have or keep in stock; (also) an order placed for an item which needs to be specially made or customized.
Origin
Mid 16th century.
Definition of special order in US English:
special order
noun
1A directive issued in a particular situation or under special circumstances.
2An order placed by a customer for an item which a shop does not have or keep in stock; (also) an order placed for an item which needs to be specially made or customized.