Spence (?), n. [OF. despense, F. dépense, 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.
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. Jamieson.