special delivery

(in the U.S. Postal Service) delivery of mail outside the regularly scheduled hours, by a special messenger, upon the payment of an extra fee.

Origin of special delivery

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

spe·cial-de·liv·er·y, adjective

It just flashed into my mind this morning, and I sat down at once and sent a special-delivery letter to Fanny Russell.

Contemporary One-Act Plays |Sir James M. Barrie
"A special-delivery letter for me, Madame," announced the Frenchwoman.

The Lion's Mouse |C. N. Williamson and A. M. Williamson
I wonder that he did not put a special-delivery stamp on his letter.

Under the Maples |John Burroughs
The special-delivery letter she carried was her excuse for following.

The Little Colonel: Maid of Honor |Annie Fellows Johnston

Cornie Dean said a messenger boy had just come out to the Hall on a bicycle with a special-delivery lettah from home.

The Little Colonel: Maid of Honor |Annie Fellows Johnston

special delivery

the delivery of a piece of mail outside the time of a scheduled delivery