Spence (?), n. [OF. despense, F. d'epense, buffet, buttery, fr. OF. despendre to spend, distribute, L. dispendere, dispensum. See Dispense, Spend.]
1.
A place where provisions are kept; a buttery; a larder; a pantry.
<-- Chiefly Brit. dial. [MW10] -->
In . . . his spence, or "pantry" were hung the carcasses of a sheep or ewe, and two cows lately slaughtered.
Sir W. Scott.
Bluff Harry broke into the spence,
And turned the cowls adrift.
Tennyson.
2.
The inner apartment of a country house; also, the place where the family sit and eat.
[Scot.]
Jamieson.
© Webster 1913.