spence

[ spens ]

/ spɛns /

noun British Dialect.

a pantry.

Nearby words

spelunk, spelunker, spelunking, spemann, spemann, hans, spence, spencer, spencer gulf, spencer, herbert, spencerian, spend

Origin of spence

1350–1400; Middle English spense, spence < Middle French despense pantry < Medieval Latin dīspēnsa, noun use of feminine of dīspēnsus, past participle of dīspendere to weigh out; see dispense

Definition for spence (2 of 2)

Spence

[ spens ]

/ spɛns /

noun

a male given name, form of Spencer.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for spence

And Pastor Spence is also correct that the modern outrage artist owes an enormous debt to punk pioneers The Sex Pistols.
The Cult of Outrage|Michael Moynihan|November 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Spence is the leader of an aboriginal community called Attawapiskat in northern Ontario.
The Hunger Strike Diet: You Don't Lose Weight AND You Accomplish Your Goal!|David Frum|January 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
When reporters asked to spend the night in her tent with her, Spence refused.
The Hunger Strike Diet: You Don't Lose Weight AND You Accomplish Your Goal!|David Frum|January 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Under pressure from senior governments to account for missing funds, Spence declared a hunger strike in early December 2012.
The Hunger Strike Diet: You Don't Lose Weight AND You Accomplish Your Goal!|David Frum|January 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Two Kinds of Time by Graham Peck In contrast to Spence, Graham Peck is almost unknown.
James Fallows: 5 Favorite ‘Outsiders In China’ Books|James Fallows|May 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
As he was about to depart, Spence Cuthbert and her escort, returning from their ride, dashed up to the doorway.
"Forward, March"|Kirk Munroe
"I hadn't thought of going to church," replied Mr. Spence, helping himself to cherries.
A Modern Chronicle, Complete|Winston Churchill
Go down to Mr. Woolford and ask him for a hundred pounds in notes and give them to Mr. Spence.
When It Was Dark|Guy Thorne
Mr. Spence, father, must seek a mate among his kindred, I am of another order of beings.
The Catholic World; Vol. IV.; October, 1866, to March, 1867.|E. Rameur
Sure enough, moving among the low pines that shaded the slope between the Spence and Brewster houses they saw the two women.
Flood Tide|Sara Ware Bassett

British Dictionary definitions for spence (1 of 2)

spence

/ (spɛns) /

noun

dialect

a larder or pantry
any monetary allowance
a parlour, esp in a cottage

Word Origin for spence

C14: from Old French despense, from Latin dispendere to distribute; see dispense

British Dictionary definitions for spence (2 of 2)

Spence

/ (spɛns) /

noun

Sir Basil (Unwin). 1907–76, Scottish architect, born in India; designed Coventry Cathedral (1951)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012