noun
spencer
SPEHN-suh
noun
1
A short, close-fitting jacket, historically worn by men in the 18th century and later by women and children in the early 19th century.
"The portrait showed her in a cream spencer over a high-waisted gown."
2
A small fore-and-aft sail set on a mast of a square-rigged ship.
"The crew raised the spencer to help steady the ship in the crosswind."
How to Use Spencer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short fitted jacket from historical fashion, or a small sail on an old sailing ship.
Word Forms
spencers plural
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The portrait showed her in a cream _____ over a high-waisted gown.
Etymology
Named after George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer (1758–1834), who is said to have popularized the short jacket style.