in specie

phrase

: in the same or like form or kind
ready to return insult in specie
also : in coin

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in specie was in 1562

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In specie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20specie. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster