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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Extraordinary

Ex-tra’ôr’di-na-ry, a.

adjective

(eks-trôr’di-na-ry, or ĕks’tra-ôr’di-na-ry) (Synop., § 130), a. [Lat. extraordinarius, from Lat. extra and ordinarius; Fr. extraordinaire, Pr. extraordinari, Sp. & Pg. extraordinario, It. extraordinario, straordinario. See ORDINARY.] 1. Beyond or out of the common order or method; not usual, customary, regular, or ordinary; as, extraordinary evils; extraordinary remedies. To something extraordinary my thoughts. Milton.

  1. Exceeding the common degree or measure; hence, remarkable; uncommon; rare; wonderful; as, extraordinary talents or grandeur.
  2. Employed or sent for an unusual or special object; as, an extraordinary messenger; an ambassador extraordinary.

Ex-trāor'di-na-ry, n.

noun

(or ĕks'tra-ōr'di-na-rȳ), n. That which is extraordinary or unusual; an uncommon circumstance or quality; a peculiarity; — used especially in the plural, as, extraordinaries excepted, there is nothing to prevent success.

Their extraordinary did consist especially in the matter of prayers and devotions. J. Taylor.