built, done, bought, etc., as a speculation: the construction of spec houses.
verb (used with object),spec'd or specked or specced,spec'·ing or speck·ing or spec·cing.
to provide specifications for: Their newest truck was spec'd by a computer.
on spec, made, built, or done with hopes of but no assurance of payment or a sale; without commitment by a client or buyer: ad illustrations done on spec; luxury homes built on spec and sold before completion.
Origin of spec
An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; by shortening
Related formsspec·’er, speck·er, noun
a small spot differing in color or substance from that of the surface or material upon which it appears or lies: Specks of soot on the window sill.
a very little bit or particle: We haven't a speck of sugar.
something appearing small by comparison or by reason of distance: By then the town was just a speck.
verb (used with object)
to mark with, or as with, a speck or specks.
Origin of speck
before 900;Middle Englishspecke,Old Englishspecca; cognate with Dutchspikkel
Related formsspeck·ed·ness[spek-id-nis]/ˈspɛk ɪd nɪs/, nounspeck·less, adjectivespeck·less·ly, adverbspeck·less·ness, noun