Definition: spinet
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.
