GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 4 definitions

1.       
   Spencer , n. [OF. despensier. See Spence, and cf. Dispenser.] One who has the care of the spence, or buttery. [Obs.]
   Promptorium Parvulorum.
   
   1913 Webster
         
       

2.       
   Spencer, 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.
   
   1913 Webster
         
       

3.       
   Spencer, 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].
   1913 Webster
   Spencer mast, a small mast just abaft the foremast or mainmast, for hoisting the spencer. R. H. Dana, Jr.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

4.       
   Trysail , n. (Naut.) A fore-and-aft sail, bent to a gaff, and hoisted on a lower mast or on a small mast, called the trysail mast, close abaft a lower mast; -- used chiefly as a storm sail. Called also spencer.
   Totten.
   
   1913 Webster