Definition: spinet

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7

spinet
     n 1: small and compactly built upright piano
     2: early model harpsichord with only one string per note

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Spinet \Spin"et\, n. [OF. espinete, F. ['e]pinette (cf. It.
   spinetta), fr. L. spina a thorn; -- so called because its
   quills resemble thorns. See Spine.] (Mus.)
   A keyed instrument of music resembling a harpsichord, but
   smaller, with one string of brass or steel wire to each note,
   sounded by means of leather or quill plectrums or jacks. It
   was formerly much used.

   Dumb spinet. (Mus.) See Manichordon.
Spinet \Spi"net\, n. [L. spinetum. See Spinny.]
   A spinny. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.