Special term
Black's Law Dictionary · Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Black's Law Dictionary
In New York practice, that branch of the court which is held by a single judge for hearing and deciding in the first instance motions and causes of equitable nafure is called the "special term," as opposed to the "general term," held by three judges (usually) to hear appeals.
Abbott; Grade v. Freeland, 1 N. Y. 232.