'special-deliver' originates from the combination of 'special' and 'deliver', where 'special' meant 'distinct or particular' and 'deliver' meant 'to bring or hand over'.

'special-deliver' evolved from the practice of delivering items with particular urgency or importance, eventually becoming a recognized term for expedited delivery services.

Initially, it meant 'to deliver with special care or urgency', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.