The word "bespoke" refers to something that is custom-made or tailored specifically to the individual needs and preferences of a customer. It is commonly used in the context of clothing, such as bespoke suits, which are designed and crafted explicitly for one person, rather than being mass-produced. Essentially, bespoke items are unique and personalized, distinguishing them from other products.
The term "bespoke" is derived from the verb "bespeak," which means to "speak for" or "order in advance." It comes from the Middle English word "bespeken," which is a combination of "be-" (a prefix meaning "about" or "concerning") and "speken" (to speak). The transition to mean "custom-made" became popular particularly in the tailoring industry, where garments were made specifically for customers who "spoke" their desires to the tailor.