specialise

Less common meanings

4. 4
   verbraretransitive

   To make something cover a smaller range of things.

   He is at moſt a confuſed and wild Chriſtian, not ſpecialized by any form, but capable of all.

   1628, John Earle, Micro-Cosmography

   Similarnarrow, restrict, limit

   Oppositebroaden, widen, expand

5. 5
   be known forverbderogatoryintransitive

   To be known for one particular thing, usually something bad or annoying.

   That garage seems to specialise in losing people's car keys.

   My brother specialises in arriving late to every family party.

   UsageSaid as a joke or complaint, with in: he specialises in being late.

   Note
6. 6
   verbraretransitive

   To name or mention something exactly.

   Our Sauiour specialising and nominating the places in which these false prophets should teach his presence to be.

   1616, Richard Sheldon, A Survey of the Miracles of the Church of Rome

   Similarspecify, name

   Note
7. 7
   verbobsoleteintransitive

   To talk about the exact details of something, not just in general.

   Firſt laſh the Great-ones ; but, if thou be wiſe, / In generall, and doe not ſpeciallize : / Yet, if thou doe, ſo wiſely let it be, / None may except but thoſe that faulty be.

   1613, George Wither, “The Scourge”

   Note
8. 8
   verbrare

   To train someone so that they can do one special kind of work.

   "Kia, Honey, you got to help him to it," Bell Norton told the 16 year old girl she was "specializing" as part of the hospital's intensive care program for high risk babies and mothers.

   1981, Andrea L. Loewenstein, “Voices in the Night”