Spen"cer (?), n. [OF. despensier. See Spence, and cf. Dispenser.]
One who has the care of the spence, or buttery.
[Obs.]
Promptorium Parvulorum.
© Webster 1913.
Spen"cer, n. [From the third Earl Spencer, who first wore it, or brought it into fashion.]
A short jacket worn by men and by women.
Ld. Lutton.
© Webster 1913.
Spen"cer, n. Naut.
A fore-and-aft sail, abaft the foremast or the mainmast, hoisted upon a small supplementary mast and set with a gaff and no boom; a trysail carried at the foremast or mainmast; -- named after its inventor, Knight Spencer, of England [1802].
Spencer mast, a small mast just abaft the foremast or mainmast, for hoisting the spencer. R. H. Dana, Jr.
© Webster 1913.