An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Of a distinct or particular kind or character; having a particular function
or purpose; not common, usual, or general.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Fr. especial, from L. specialis “individual, particular,” from → species “appearance, kind, sort.”

Etymology (PE): Vižé, from Mid.Pers. apēcak “pure, sacred,” from *apa-vēcak “set apart,” from prefix apa- + vēcak, from vēxtan (Mod.Pers. bixtan) “to detach, separate, sift, remove,” Av. vaēk- “to select, sort out, sift,” pr. vaēca-, Skt. vic-, vinakti “to sift, winnow, separate; to inquire.”