Ordered or arranged in advance; made to order or custom-made.
From Old English 'be-' (prefix) + 'speak' (to talk or arrange verbally). Past participle of 'bespeak,' meaning to indicate or arrange by speaking beforehand. Originally meant something that was spoken for in advance.
A 'bespoken suit' or 'bespoken tailor' indicates custom-made clothing ordered specifically for someone. This word is still common in British English, especially in the phrase 'bespoke tailoring.' It reveals how speaking about something in advance was understood as claiming or reserving it!
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