Word of the Day

: June 26, 2008

bespoke

adjective bih-SPOHK

What It Means

1 : custom-made

2 : dealing in or producing custom-made articles

bespoke in Context

The shop employs renowned tailors who create the finest bespoke suits from luxurious cloths.

Did You Know?

In the English language of yore, the verb "bespeak" had various meanings, including "to speak," "to accuse," and "to complain." In the 16th century, "bespeak" acquired another meaning -- "to order or arrange in advance." It is from that sense that we get the adjective "bespoke," referring to clothes and other things that are ordered before they are made. You are most likely to encounter this adjective in British contexts, such as the recent Reuters news story about a young pig in Northern England who was fitted with "bespoke miniature footwear" (custom-made Wellington boots) to help it overcome a phobia of mud.