spencer1
/ˈspɛnsə
/noun
1A short, close-fitting jacket, worn by women and children in the early 19th century.‘Of course,’ he mumbled, hesitating a moment before easing Amanda's arms out of her spencer, while the woman removed her shoes and stockings....
- Miss Howitt's dress was in the height of fashion; blue silk spencer over a white round dress with several flounces at the hem, complemented by a yellow paisley shawl draped over her shoulders.
1.1A thin woollen vest, worn by women for extra warmth in winter.
Origin
Probably named after the second Earl Spencer (1758–1834), English politician.
spencer2
/ˈspɛnsə/noun Sailing
A trysail.
Origin
Mid 19th century: of unknown origin.