special relationship

A nonfiduciary relationship having an element of trust, arising esp. when one person trusts another to exercise a reasonable degree of care and the other knows or ought to know about the reliance. Cf. fiduciary relationship. [Cases: Master and Servant 30(1.15); Torts 12. C.J.S. Employer–Employee Relationship § 60; Torts §§ 54, 59–65.]