a. Also 7 speckie, 8 speckey. [f. SPECK sb.1 + -Y.] Covered or marked with specks; speckled, spotted; having specks or spots of disease, discoloration, etc.

1

1382.  Wyclif, Gen. xxx. 33. Alle that weren not dyuerse, and speckid [v.rr. specky, specke].

2

1587.  Mascall, Govt. Cattle, Sheepe (1596), 206. Although the skinne be specky and spotted of diuers colours.

3

1763.  W. Lewis, Phil. Comm. Arts, 65. In some parts it appeared specky or full of small holes.

4

1793.  Trans. Soc. Enc. Arts, etc. XI. 17. For where the leaves curl, the fruit is always specky.

5

1856.  Morton, Cycl. Agric., I. 48/1. When ground with wheat, they render the flour ‘specky.’

6

1865.  Intell. Observ., No. 37. 18. A turbid or specky appearance.

7

1884.  F. J. Britten, Watch & Clockm., 34. Pieces [of steel] that have been cleaned in dirty benzine … will become specky in blueing.

8

  transf.  1858.  Dublin Univ. Mag., LII. 264. A style which might technically be termed specky and disfigured by some affectations which honest criticism must deplore.

9