spinet Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a small and compactly built upright piano
  2. noun early model harpsichord with only one string per note

WordNet

Spin"et noun
Etymology
OF. espinete, F. épinette (cf. It. spinetta), fr. L. spina a thorn; -- so called because its quills resemble thorns. See Spine.
Definitions
  1. (Mus.) A keyed instrument of music resembling a harpsichord, but smaller, with one string of brass or steel wire to each note, sounded by means of leather or quill plectrums or jacks. It was formerly much used.
Spi"net noun
Etymology
L. spinetum. See Spinny.
Definitions
  1. A spinny. Obs. B. Jonson.

Webster 1913