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.
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.
Spen"cer (?), n. [OF. despensier. See Spence, and cf. Dispenser.]
One who has the care of the spence, or buttery. [Obs.] Promptorium
Parvulorum.
Hear it pronounced