spencer Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)
    Herbert Spencer.

WordNet

Spen"cer noun
Etymology
OF. despensier. See Spence, and cf. Dispenser.
Definitions
  1. One who has the care of the spence, or buttery. Obs. Promptorium Parvulorum.
Spen"cer noun
Etymology
From the third Earl Spencer, who first wore it, or brought it into fashion.
Definitions
  1. A short jacket worn by men and by women. Ld. Lutton.
Spen"cer noun
Definitions
  1. (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].

Webster 1913