Extraordinary, a.
Etymology: [L. extraordinarius; extra on the outside + ordinarius: cf. F. extraordinaire. See Ordinary.]
1. Beyond or out of the common order or method; not usual, customary, regular, or ordinary; as, extraordinary evils; extraordinary remedies. Which dispose To something extraordinary my thoughts. Milton.
2. Exceeding the common degree, measure. or condition; hence, remarkable; uncommon; rare; wonderful; as, extraordinary talents or grandeur.
3. Employed or sent upon an unusual or special service; as, an ambassador extraordinary.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Extraordinary, n.; pl. Extraordinaries (.
That which is extraordinary; -- used especially in the plural; as, extraordinaries excepted, there is nothing to prevent success. Their extraordinary did consist especially in the matter of prayers and devotions. Jer. Taylor.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for extraordinary; he lists it under queer, rare.
Where he writes about it:
Extraordinary, signifying greatly beyond the ordinary, is a neutral word, capable of a high and good sense or of an invidious, opprobrious, or contemptuous signification; as, extraordinary genius; extraordinary wickedness; an extraordinary assumption of power; extraordinary antics; an extraordinary statement is incredible without overwhelming proof. — from rare