spence Meaning, Definition & Usage

Spence noun
Etymology
OF. despense, F. dépense, buffet, buttery, fr. OF. despendre to spend, distribute, L. dispendere, dispensum. See Dispense, Spend.
Definitions
  1. A place where provisions are kept; a buttery; a larder; a pantry. Chiefly Brit. dial. [MW10]
    In . . . his spence, or "pantry" were hung the carcasses of a sheep or ewe, and two cows lately slaughtered. Sir W. Scott.
    Bluff Harry broke into the spence, And turned the cowls adrift. Tennyson.
  2. The inner apartment of a country house; also, the place where the family sit and eat. Scot. Jamieson.

Webster 1913