spence

• spense

From Middle English spence, spense, borrowed from Middle French despense, from Medieval Latin dīspēnsa, noun use of feminine of Latin dīspēnsus, past participle of dīspendere (“weigh out”).

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spence (plural spences)

1. (UK, dialect, dated) A buttery or pantry.
   • 1906, Enys Tregarthen, North Cornwall Fairies and Legends, page 77:

     'I expect it was a dog which got into the spence and licked up the junket and ate the biscuits,' put in the old turf-cutter. 'I would lock and bar the spence-door, if I were you, the next time I put such nice things in there.'

• pences

spence

1. alternative form of spense

• English: spence