Spence

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Spence \Spence\, n. [OF. despense, F. d['e]pense, buffet,
     buttery, fr. OF. despendre to spend, distribute, L.
     dispendere, dispensum. See {Dispense}, {Spend}.]
     1. A place where provisions are kept; a buttery; a larder; a
        pantry.
        [1913 Webster]


  
              In . . . his spence, or "pantry" were hung the
              carcasses of a sheep or ewe, and two cows lately
              slaughtered.                          --Sir W.
                                                    Scott.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Bluff Harry broke into the spence,
              And turned the cowls adrift.          --Tennyson.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. The inner apartment of a country house; also, the place
        where the family sit and eat. [Scot.] --Jamieson.
        [1913 Webster]