spencer
/ˈspɛnsə/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: spencers
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A short double-breasted men's overcoat worn in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A short, close-fitting jacket primarily worn by women and children in the early 19th century.
Noun
Examples
In order to support and illustrate this assertion, I shall commence my remarks with the spencer, which has often been attacked by satyrical and cynical writers as an absurd and original dress.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “spencer” mean?
A short double-breasted men's overcoat worn in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Is “spencer” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.